Sheila Jackson Lee: “As a senior Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, a former chairman of the Transportation and Protective…”

“As a senior Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, a former chairman of the Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee, and an original co-sponsor, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4176, ``Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2017.'' H.R. 4176 will strengthen the nation's air cargo security networks by requiring the Transportation Security Administration to establish an air cargo security division within the agency. Within 120 days of enactment, TSA would conduct a feasibility study on the expanded use of computed tomography for air cargo. Following the study, TSA would be required to initiate a pilot program to achieve enhanced air cargo security screening through the use of new or emerging technologies. Within 150 days of enactment, TSA would be required to report to Congress on actions to improve the effectiveness of the Certified Cargo Screening Program. The Government Accountability Office is tasked with reviewing the effectiveness of DHS' approach to addressing the air cargo security risk, including the risk-based strategy for examining air cargo and ensuring compliance with air cargo security rules. TSA would be required to request that the Aviation Security Advisory Committee's Subcommittee on Air Cargo conduct a comprehensive review of TSA's Known Shipper Program. Mr. Speaker, thirteen years ago, the U.S.…”