The U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security recently advanced bipartisan legislation that would help reduce the spread of COVID-19 among airline passengers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees.
The Security Screening During COVID-19 Act would direct the TSA administrator to coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan, identifying best practices among air carriers, airports, and foreign governments regarding COVID-19. The administrator would identify specific operational changes that TSA can make to further reduce the virus’ spread at checkpoints.
The bill also authorizes the TSA to consult with its employees and stakeholders while developing the plan and directs the comptroller general to a report on the plan a year after it is issued and implementation has begun.
“We’ve made incredible progress in our national fight against COVID-19,” said U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), who introduced the bill. “However, we must remain vigilant and continue to be proactive to protect the American people and the security and airport employees who have kept the country running during this public health crisis. This bipartisan proposal is an important step in that direction, and I would urge all of my colleagues to support it.”
The bill moves to the full House for consideration.