Haley Stevens: “this would lift the TSA's current screener cap of 45,000 persons. The cap is at 45,000, but currently the resources…”

“this would lift the TSA's current screener cap of 45,000 persons. The cap is at 45,000, but currently the resources available to TSA allow for only 43,000 screeners, and currently there are only 41,000. The reason is there is such an enormous turnover in screeners. They work for a small period of time and then move on to other jobs. We have enhanced screening technology and improved staffing models that have helped maximize the workforce currently available. We have a strong security system with minimal passenger line waits. They have been reduced considerably. I do believe the Lautenberg amendment is not necessary. The current cap of 45,000 screeners helps us maintain the pressure on the TSA to employ new screening technology. I personally met in a classified briefing with the head of the TSA to discuss this problem last week. It was classified because of some of the technology that is involved and new models being pursued. One of the comments that was made to me was that the cap really helps us maintain the pressure to secure the new screening technology and reduce the redundancy in the workforce. The workforce is only relevant to the extent the technology does not do the job. We believe we should have more and quicker screening, and that is going to be brought about by new technology. That is where we have put our money this year. Unless my friend wants to make any further comments, I intend to move to table this amendment. I still have the floor.…”