Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5730, the Transportation Security Technology Innovation Reform Act of 2018. H.R. 5730 authorizes TSA's Transportation Security Administration Systems Integration Facility, or TSIF. Threats against the transportation system are constantly evolving. They demand the TSA be proactive in developing new and innovative technologies. By authorizing the TSIF, H.R. 5730 directs TSA to evaluate, test, collaborate on and, ultimately, deliver advance screening technologies. H.R. 5730 also includes language to ensure that TSA has the necessary staff and resources to develop the best and most cutting-edge technology. Importantly, the bill includes language authored by the Ranking Member, Mr. Thompson, to enhance the level of support TSA provides to small businesses throughout TSA's technology testing and procurement process. Greater participation of small businesses, really, where innovation happens, in the security marketplace, will not only help ensure that promising technologies are pursued; it will also help TSA move away from its reliance on a handful of large technology manufacturers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.”