A bill recently introduced in the U.S. Senate would modernize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and authorize funding for the agency.
The bill is sponsored by Sens. John Thune (R-SD), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).
“This legislation responds to the challenges of aviation security, now and over the horizon, by creating more stability in the agency’s leadership and putting security assets in place that protect travelers and minimize delays,” Thune said. “TSA must learn from disappointing security testing results, terrorist attacks abroad, and traveler frustration to rise to the occasion, embrace necessary changes, and meet its critically important mission of keeping travelers safe and secure.”
The TSA bill would also authorize the funding of $7.81 billion for fiscal year 2018, $7.85 billion for fiscal year 2019, and $7.89 billion for fiscal year 2020.
Modernization includes reforming the TSA’s organizational structure and making the TSA administrator position a five-year term.
Additionally, there is a shortage of dogs in the TSA. To make up for this, the bill requires the TSA to develop certification standards for the use of third-party explosive-detection dogs. Explosive-detection dogs, Cantwell said, are the best defense for airport security.
The TSA would also be required to authorize third-party testing and evaluation of security screening equipment.