Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I share some of the concerns of the gentleman from Mississippi, and I believe that the outstanding question still remains over the actual value of the Behavior Detection Officer, BDO program, which has yet to be sufficiently validated by TSA. In addition, it is my understanding that a recent OIG report may validate the concerns Mr. Thompson has raised about the program. In the report accompanying this bill, this committee also articulated some of the same concerns of Mr. Thompson, including whether passengers are screened in an objective and cost-effective manner. However, I cannot accept this amendment at this time to zero out the program. I remain hopeful that TSA will correct these issues. And my colleague, Chairman McCaul, has also said he is hopeful that we can correct these programs. I will be willing to work with Mr. Thompson and Mr. McCaul and anyone else who has concerns about this to make sure that this program is effectively administered and effectively worked. So at this time, I oppose the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.”