The Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, introduced "The Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2011" (H.R. 1447). This legislation reestablishes and codifies the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) which was created in response to the Lockerbie terrorist bombing in 1988 and later transferred to the Transportation Security Administration in 2001. However, after playing a critical role in the development of security programs, the ASAC has not met consistently for several years and TSA has allowed the charter to expire.
This legislation will ensure that there is a forum for industry stakeholders and TSA to develop the best security regulations to keep the nation safe. The bill will allow the TSA Administrator to appoint the committee's members and establish three working groups within the committee: air cargo, general aviation and perimeter security.
Congressman Thompson released the following statement introducing the legislation:
"The plot to ship explosives via passenger and cargo aircraft originating from Yemen last year made it clear that the threat to aviation continues to be very real and of an evolving nature. This legislation ensures that TSA is hearing from all those involved in aviation security in order to foster more cooperation and better policies."
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