John Katko

We must ensure that TSA is properly overseeing this workforce and guarding against potential threats.

I look forward to working with you to minimize this officer and public safety issue.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to support the Surface Transportation Reform and Reauthorization Act. This legislation is a product of hard work, done in a bipartisan manner, and it will give State and local…

I briefly just want to thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Higgins) for their comments. They echo the sentiments that I believe firmly, that the Homeland Security Subcommittee is probably…

If the gentleman from New York has no further speakers, I am prepared to close once the gentleman does.

We owe it to the American public and we have to get a handle on it because it is a vulnerability that I had no idea existed until I got into this job.

We have an obligation to try and beef up security.

But I understand the American public is best served as it possibly can be with the people at the airports and the security they are trying to do.

The possibilities for something to go wrong are incalculable, and the tragedies that could have resulted are amazing.

The last thing I want to touch on before I wrap up my portion of the testimony is on access controls.

I want to thank the subcommittee for your support as we seek additional ways to improve officer safety and security.

If security at our Nation's airports was flawless, there would be no need for today's hearing.

This reality highlights the need for Congressional oversight for each aspect of the transportation system, including the physical security and preparedness of airports themselves.

While each airport is unique, it is imperative that airport stakeholders, airlines, law enforcement, emergency first responders, and TSA work together to exercise plans and improve coordination among relevant entities.

I introduced this piece of bipartisan legislation because it specifically addresses the ways in which the airport community and the TSA prepare for, respond to, and communicate during major security incidents, such as active shooters.

We are going to relax the standards a bit.

Airports remain a target for terrorists and other violent actors who seek to disrupt the safe travel of the American public.

When we see a problem with this agency, we work swiftly to address it.

Security is not a partisan issue, and I am proud of the work that I have done with my Democratic colleagues.

The American people expect the best from the entities entrusted with their safety.

My concern is, grafted on top of that now is this whole new phenomenon about ISIS and the stress that that is putting on...

This legislation, which was signed into law on September 24, 2015, seeks to enhance the security of TSA personnel.

A terrorist threat is Nation-wide, and we can't stress enough the importance of having a discussion about Nation-wide threats.

I look forward to working with you to close vulnerabilities in the surface transportation sector and ensure that TSA is doing everything possible to keep the traveling public safe in every mode of transportation.

Since that time, I have watched you gain more experience and more knowledge on the whole terrorist threat globally and with respect to the United States.