Panel mandates aviation security tech upgrades

House Republican leaders plan to include within a larger security bill provisions that would mandate a bevy of technology to protect the nation's airports.

Draft legislation approved by voice vote by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee on Wednesday would go beyond the aviation security recommendations made by the special commission that investigated the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It would push the Transportation Security Administration to incorporate advanced technologies such as iris scanners, explosive-detection systems, wireless devices, blast-resistant cargo and baggage containers, among other provisions.

"Whatever survives will be part of a larger package," subcommittee Chairman John Mica, R-Fla., said of House GOP leaders' intention to introduce the broader proposal next week.

Mica said the full panel could wait for Republican leaders to incorporate the aviation security legislation into the broader bill based on the report of the 9/11 Commission and then debate that measure later this month. Lawmakers may tweak the legislation to address concerns over the bill's price tag, he added.

Mica said in a statement that the 9/11 Commission had concluded that "TSA must change its focus and direct its attention and resources in ways that will address the highest risks. This bill implements their major aviation recommendations."

Mica's bill would require TSA to set a standard for biometric technologies such as scanned fingerprints or iris scans to be imbedded in airport security credentials. The bill aims to quickly deploy advanced screening systems for checked bags through leasing contracts with the airports, and it would authorize $250 million annually for the initiative.

To address a controversial pre-screening system for airline passengers, the legislation would mandate that TSA take over the program from airline carriers. The agency announced recently that it intended to do just that under its Secure Flight program.

Mica also included in his bill language that he drafted earlier this year to protect aircraft and passengers from shoulder-fired missiles. The House passed that separate bill, H.R. 4056, on July 22 by a 423-0 vote. It encourages the White House to pursue international agreements to limit the proliferation of the weapons.

The measure approved Wednesday also would authorize $30 million for TSA to develop and deploy explosive-detection systems to detect non-metallic materials on passengers and bags, and it would direct TSA to develop technology to identify, track and screen air cargo.

The bill also would encourage airlines to test blast-resistant cargo and baggage containers, and provide assistance to airline carriers that volunteer for the initiative. In addition, it would direct TSA to test and deploy advanced security-checkpoint screening devices at airports and require a study and report to Congress on deploying wireless devices to flight crews in order to enable them to discreetly notify pilots during security breaches or safety issues.