Sheila Jackson Lee: “As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise in support of H.R. 2132, ``Traveler Redress Improvement…”

“As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise in support of H.R. 2132, ``Traveler Redress Improvement Act of 2017,'' which requires the implementation of a redress process and review of the Transportation Security Administration's intelligence-based screening rules for aviation security. The DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) provides a redress process for individuals who have been denied or delayed airline boarding, entry into or exit from the United States at a port of entry or border crossing, or have been repeatedly referred for additional (secondary) screening. I thank the Committee for accepting the Jackson Lee Amendment to H.R. 2132, which extends the time for GAO to submit its report from 180 days to one year. The Jackson Lee Amendment gives GAO additional time to do its work after TSA concludes its work on the Privacy Impact Assessment for the Secure Flight program. In 2015, there were 178 days when TSA screened more than 2 million passengers in a single day. George Bush International and William P. Hobby Airports are essential hubs for domestic and international air travel for Houston and the region. Nearly 40 million passengers traveled through Bush International Airport (IAH) and an additional 10 million traveled through William P. Hobby (HOU). Persons who routinely undergo secondary screening or incur delays in boarding flights only have the DHS TRIP as their sole means of redress.…”