Sheila Jackson Lee: “As a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security I rise in support of H.R. 1353, the ``Transparency in…”

“As a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security I rise in support of H.R. 1353, the ``Transparency in Technological Acquisitions Act.'' This bipartisan bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide more frequent and detailed updates on its strategy to invest in security technology. The five-year investment plan includes information such as: 1. Transportation security risks and gaps that could be addressed by technology 2. Current and expected trends in domestic and international travel 3. Opportunities for public-private partnerships and collaboration with small and disadvantaged companies, other government agencies, university centers of excellence and national laboratories 4. Resources required to protect technology from cyber theft, diversion, sabotage or attack 5. Potential effects on commercial airline passengers. This bill would require the updates to be submitted annually and to include information on acquisitions made during the previous fiscal year. Requiring TSA to provide annual updates on the acquisition plan and to notify Congress and industry stakeholders about any changes to the plan which will provide much-needed clarity, certainty, and transparency. In 2015, TSA screened more than 708 million passengers, which is more than 1.9 million per day. Of the 2,653 firearms discovered in carry-on bags, 82.8 percent were loaded.…”