Chip Cravaack: “Today I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 1801. H.R. 1801 represents a bipartisan, bicameral effort in…”

“Today I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 1801. H.R. 1801 represents a bipartisan, bicameral effort in honor of the members of our Armed Forces by transitioning to an expedited, intelligence-driven screening process for all U.S. soldiers at our Nation's airports. Shortly after the House passed H.R. 1801 by a vote of 404-0, the Senate, with the support and leadership of Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison and Chairman Jay Rockefeller, amended and passed H.R. 1801 by voice vote. I have had time to review the Senate amendment, and, quite frankly, I think it improves the underlying bill. It requires coordination between TSA and the Department of Defense in establishing the expedited screening process and clarifies that the TSA Administrator retains the authority to require additional screening for a member of the Armed Forces should intelligence or law enforcement information raise any concerns. In addition, the Senate amendment allows TSA to include accompanying military family members in the expedited screening process ``to the extent possible.'' Overall, the Senate amendment to H.R. 1801 improves the bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it. In closing, I'd like to thank Transportation Security Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King and Ranking Member Bennie Thompson for moving this legislation.…”