Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank Mr. Thompson for his leadership as ranking member and formerly chair, and Mr. Hudson. Let me also acknowledge…”

“I thank Mr. Thompson for his leadership as ranking member and formerly chair, and Mr. Hudson. Let me also acknowledge Mr. Richmond, who is the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Transportation Security. It is clear that this committee, Homeland Security overall, has worked together for the betterment of the national security of this Nation, and these legislative initiatives in particular. I remember distinctly the hearings, the collaboration with a number of groups, and so I rise today to speak on the transportation security bill regarding best practices to improve transparency with regard to technology acquisition programs, and for other purposes. The Transportation Security Administration, now under Homeland Security, is one of our vital organs that relates to the security of America. We only need look at special holidays throughout the Nation and throughout the year and realize how vital the aviation system is and how important it is to work together with the Transportation Security Administration, covering TSOs and certainly a large component of research and technology dealing with the security of our airports. This initiative is an important one. It is almost unspeakable to have this size of inventory, some $185 million in assessment, languishing in warehouses under the name of the Transportation Security Administration.…”