On the recordJanuary 9, 2018
I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. H.R. 4577 will jump-start conversations on how to increase the supply of canines and better integrate them in the TSA's layered security at airports and surface transportation hubs. Canines have become an invaluable asset to the DHS in fulfilling its many important missions and goals. Even prior to the inception of the Department, canines were utilized by law enforcement and first responder agencies for decades, proving to be one of the most effective and versatile tools in detecting threats and protecting the homeland. Terrorists are working hard to exploit vulnerabilities in our transportation system, and the U.S. must utilize all of our available resources to combat these threats. Canines are undoubtedly one such resource, providing a robust and reliable layer of security and giving Americans peace of mind. If enacted, H.R. 4577 would better position the TSA to achieve and maintain a reliable supply of canines to deploy to not only airport terminals, but also to cargo operations and mass transit systems. As such, Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4577, and I yield back the balance of my time.
