At el was son. And reporting. Bloomberg. Com. Thank you for your time. The Senate Finance committee begins work on the tax bill monday. With live coverage on cspan 3. You can watch online at cspan. Org. Or listen on the free radio app. Next. Tsa administrator testifying before the House Homeland Security committee. On preventing terror attacks on Transportation Systems. By modernizing security screening equipment and improving work force training. The hearing is an hour and 20 minutes. Committee will come to order. The committee is meeting today to hear from the administrator of the transportation security administration. David. On his plans for leading a work force of 60,000 employees. The security operation of nearly 450 airports. Throughout the United States. The federal air marshall service, and shared security for highway, railroad, ports, mass transit systems and pipelines. I recognize myself for opening statement. Today our Committee Meeting to discuss tsa role in keeping our Transportation System secure. Before we begin id tlik welcome and thank administrator david for joining us. To discuss a range of important topics rel vent to americas Aviation Security. We i say we the committee, have just been briefed in a classified setting by the dhs Inspector General. And the administrator about specific vulnerabilities to our Aviation Security. Quite frankly, i think i speak for all of us when i say we found that briefing disturbing. We need to do more to confront the growing threat aimed at the aviation sector. I want to work with you. So we can remedy this situation. As soon as possible given threat level. And im hopeful tsa successful with implementing the eight recommendations that should improve screening check point operational affect i haveness. All members of the committee share my concern, i do want to remind the members that the information shared in exchange in the briefs must remain classified. Today we are 16 years passed our 9 11 attack. That claimed the life of almost 3,000 people. However we are only nine days passed the latest attack to hit downtown new york. While the latest attack was carried out with a truck, instead of airplane, it was a reminder the threats we face are still real. Before he was killed, isis leader called for lone wolf attacks begging followers to kill kill the ku far in his backyard by any means necessary. Today, International Terrorists are determined to spread fear by killing innocent people and destroying our way of life. Many live on other continents. They are one flikt flight away. If we are going to be successful in keeping our homeland safe we must make sure tsa has the tools and resources to carry out the mission. We understand however this is no easy task. Even though there are approximately 60,000 employees helping safeguard nearly 450 airports. Throughout the United States. Our aviation sector remains the crown jewel of terrorist target. Americas enemies only have to be right once. While we have to be right 100 . With millions of people traveling in to the country from all over the world we must implement policy and procedure that instill confidence and make the Transportation System safe, and secure. Frptly the committee has been dedicated to working together with tsa and other components within dhs to get the job done. Over the last several years, we have helped strengthen the Aviation Security with legislation from the committee. That was signed into law. The legislation included bills that enhance security at least point of departure airport. And into the United States. And require Emergency Response and active shooter exercise. On a regular basis. We passed legislation that directs the tsa to develop and update a five Year TechnologyInvestment Plan to report and provide to the private sector with a realistic road map of the technology needs. These are steps in the right direction. As we saw from the previous briefing we have a lot more to do. And 2015 we also learned through leaked reports from the dhs Inspector General that the passenger screening record was in their words dismal. This is discourage lg to the committee and dangerous to the American People. Everyone though some changes have been made to correct this problem, we cannot be satisfied until we know its been properly addressed. The government cannot solve this problem alone. Working with the prift sector we need to find way ts to meet the security needs. These partnerships can produce new and Innovative Technology that can advance our screening process. Including the use of metrics like fingerprints and facial recognition. This will make it hard to slip passed screeners at the airport. New technology will strengthen our ability to keep up with emergency threats. As we discussed previously, the cat scan technology is really going to be key. Here in protecting the traveling not only the traveling american but americans who could be the victim of an airplane being blown up in the sky. Taking down airplanes is a constant goal of the terrorist. How they go about trying is changing. In late july this year Counter Terrorism officials in australia fwarted an attack and seized material that could have been used as a device to blow up an airplane. We are also seeing reports that terrorist are looking for ways to use laptops and Electronic Devices as bombs that will be detonated on airlines. This is a serious threat. If not the most serious threat we face from the radical islamist. Its a threat that must be addressed. And i look forward to discussing with you the ways in which we can confront the issues head on. With that the chair recognizes the Ranking Member. Thank you, very much. First i want to begin my expressing condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in the terror attack in new york city last week. And thank the brave First Responders who came to the aid of the injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all. I want to express my condolences to the loved ones of those killed in sundays horrific shooting at the First Baptist church of sutherland springs, texas. Another American Community has been devastated by a mass shooting once again at a place of worship. This week i sent chairman mccall a letter asking to muf by legislation hr 1486 the securing american Nonprofit Organization against terrorism act of 2017 as a stand alone bill. Hr 1486 establishes a program to authorize grants to Nonprofit Organizations including faith based communities to assist them with acquisition or installation of security equipment and training related to preventing and protecting against attacks. I appreciate the chairman prior corporation on this issue and hope hr 1486 will be considered at the next scheduled mark up to expedite consideration. Of this important legislation in the senate. If i didnt follow up on a letter i sent to chairman last week. Urging him to reschedule without further delay the postponed full committee hearing. To examine the federal Emergency Management agency disaster. Preparedness and response activity. Originally scheduled for november 1. Our fellow americans in puerto rico and u. S. Virgin islands are counting on us to ensure the fellow government provides desperately needed emergency relief. To their devastated community. As it has for those affected by recent hurricanes in florida and texas. I look forward to the committees holding this important hearing without further delay. Focusing on the issue at hand, i think the chairman for holding todays hearing and welcome administrator to the committee. We appreciate the task you have to secure the nations Transportation System. The fact that the department considered banning devices larger than a smart phone from all u. S. Bound passenger planes earlier this year reflecting the seriousness of the threats to afuation today. Indeed while the september 11th attacks were 16 years ago, new sdp more dangerous threats are constantly emerging. To address the threats, the Trump Administration must informs in Aviation Security to strengthen tsa effectiveness. Instead the administration appears held bent on squandering billions on a border wall. That will do nothing to make the nation more secure. Meanwhile, 1. 28 billion in Aviation Security fees are diverted from tsa operations annually. To fund deficit reduction. That 1. 28 billion thats being collected could go a long way towards helping us secure our aviation vulnerable. At the same time House Republicans are currently pushing a tax pack ket that would add at least 1. 5 trillion to the deficit. While helping the wealthy and well connected and leaving the midle class to pick up the tab. It defies common sense. In addition to providing the Financial Resources necessary for the agency to do the job effectively, tsa must address the work force challenges that have plagued since the creation. Tsa has consistently struggled with low moral across the work force. Ranking 303 out of 305. Government agencies in 2016. Low moral has a an ex sus to the high turn over rate within the ranks of tso. They represent 70 of tsa work force. Yet have been denied full collective bargaining rights, whistle blower protection and opportunity to effectively raise issues in dispute to an independent third party such as the merit system protection board. Additionally subject to pay and performance system that doesnt track what the General Services wage system. The primary wage system for federal workers. In order to move the work force forward and see necessary changes in vision, it is impartive for personnel to receive the critical protections. Democrats stand ready to work with you, to ensue tss has resources necessary to eflk effectively train and maintain the work force it needs to carry out the mission. Again i thank the chairman for holding this hearing and administrator for joining us today. I look toward to prauoductive hearing and close over sight of ts ark going forward. I yield back. Other members are reminded Opening Statements maybe submittsubmit for the record. Sworn in as the seventh tsa administrator after serving 30 years in the United States coast guard. I want to thank you for your service. Sdp thank you for being here today. To offer testimony. Your full statement will appear in the record. The chair recognizes administrator. Good morning. I begin by reflecting on the tragic events in in new york city last weekend and texas this past sunday. And join both of you in offering condolences to the family of the victims and our thoughts and prayers to those injured. Thank you for inviting me here today to testify about transportation security. For my first time in the role as administrator of the transportation security administration. Many colleagues appreciate the support the committee and members have provided in the passage of hr 2825. The authorizization act of 2017. And we are grateful ffrt long standing and constructive relationship that tsa enjoys with the committee. I look forward to building on this relationship during my tenure at the helm. Aim honored by the opportunity to serve as administrator. Although i have been on the job for a short time, im impressed with the dedication and commitment of the men and women. Who provide protection to millions of people every single day, 365 days a year. Tsa mission to protect americas Transportation Systems is vital to the nations security. Aviation security has come a along way. In 16 years. We still face a determined adversary. Lt current threat environment is complex, diverse, and persistent. The threat to International Aviation is high. And multiple terrorist groups remain intent on attacking our surface Transportation Systems. We must adapt to the challenges. Successfully meeting them rests on our own evolution in tsa and globally. Staying ahoefd threats and deploying effective counter measures. Working closely with industry Public Safety and international partners. We must innovate and detect complex threats and priblted items quickly, consistently and efficiently. We must ensure our work force receives the best training and leadership available and closely connected to the mission. To raise the baseline of international Aviation Security, working closely with the partners across the globe. We are grateful to the many partners in industry and the Public Sector that home and over seas for their support of the efforts over the past several months. Tsa aggressive pursuit of o innovation. These systems feature improved 3 d images and enhanced detection capability. As important as these Technology Advancements are, our Security Professionals are vital and accomplishing the mission. From those that work behind the scenes and out of public view. To those at the Airport Security check poipts on board aircraft. And in our partnership with our surface Transportation System owners and operators. To carry out the activity effectively we need to invest in the work force. Especially in key areas such as training and communication. I communicate to employees every chance i have. The message they are valued and their work is important. And the number one priority is security effectiveness. The recent terror attacks in new york city and texas and over seas are compelling reminder of the need to remain vigilant in all modes of transportation. We theed to continue building our surface transportation security successes through stake holder commune kags, coordination and collaboration. To protect these open by nature systems. I have received regarding the views and how tsa can help them improve security. Mr. Chairman i value and appreciate the over sight provided by the committee. By the department of Homeland SecurityInspector General and by the general accountability office. I pledge to be open, transparent and responsive to every member of the committee. My key priority is improving job satisfaction. That will equate to improve security performance and efficiency. I appreciate and will building upon the already out standing relationships that tsa has with our airport, airline and surface Transportation System owners and operators. With our Public Safety partners throughout the United States and internationally. In certainly with the International Organizations and partners. This concludes many statement. Im honored to serve in the capacity and i look forward to your questions today. Thank you. I appreciate that testimony. I go back to the u the joint plt to blow up 12 airlines simultaneous. He escapes and talks to his uncle. Who plotted the 9 11 attack. And they have still not stopped. They are relentness in bringing down airline. They have been demoralized in iraq and syria, to a large extent and called for attacks by vehicle and knives and whatever means necessary, his dream is still alive and well. Unfortunately. And its gone from isis. We have had our threat briefings and we know they are trying to bring down airlines through turning laptop into an explosive device. We just had a briefing from the Inspector General that im not allowed to go into detail, but he did publicly state he identified as a ru identified vulnerability and covert testing. Found disturbing. I believe there are things we can do today. And not waiting. I dont think the American People did afford to wait. For the safety of americans. Dwrou and i talked about computed temography. Or ct. I have seen this technology it goes from two dpengsal to three dimensional. You can rotate in it also i highlight identifies contraband and explosive devices. We have this as a Pilot Program in only two airports. And my question to you is how soon can this technology be deployed to all airports in the United States . And also importantly the last ten point of departure airports identified as the highest threat airports. Yes, sir. Xray systems are a significant enhancement over currently. Youre correct in were protoe typing two systems in the United States. Its a system were protoe typing. The conveyer beltd that brings the machine. And the machine itself. Hypothetically we could deploy the technology throughout the system now. It exists. What would happen as a result of that would be an improvement in the operators ability to see images. The operator success in identifying substances to lock for for further inspection would be improved. We arent at the point yet where we can get the throughput through the machine that bef through the existing machine. Over the course of the next several months well be relative relatively close to that. The technology does exist. It is being tested to a degree in europe. And it could be deployed those machines are being made. This Technology Computer te mogfy is in place in the checked bag systems. Thats what is confusing. Its already being used for check bags. Used in two airports. And i understand the it would have to be updated at some point and the software. Associated with that. It seems to me given the high threat level we are in right now with aviation and that is our crown jewel, why cant we move this quickly as possible to deploy to deploy Ct Technology to all amirports in the United States, and then ive read the software, when that becomes available . Yes, sir, we could do that. The ready the technology is in the check bag area and not the checkpoint is because its only been recently weve been able to get the weight and size of those machines down to the point where they could fit in a checkpoint. Now we have those two prototypes in phoenix and boston, and we know that capability for sizing exists. And youre correct, sir. We do need to do some work on the algorithms, which would increase the range of the substances the machines could detect and lower the weights they could detect that, as well. That can occur after the machines are deployed. Right now our plan is to do the algorhithm first. Why cant we do it the other way around . Update the algorhithm lateer . You could, but the only challenge would be the integration with the conveyer belt that brings the carryon bags to the bin in the machine. I see this as perhaps the biggest threat we face from the radical islamist. When you talk about large scale tactics. So i look forward to working with you, to see how rapidly we can deploy this new technology. And in addition, working with the appropriator to make sure that the moneys are available, and reprogrammed as well to get this technology out to these airports. And also these last point of departure airports, that members and i have gone to on many occasions, and the level of security is a bit frightening at some of the airports in the high threat areas as well. So welcome to the job. I know you understand the threats very well. I look forward to working with you. Yes, sir. Thank you very much. And i would add that the computer topography of the ct capability would be a significant improvement at the checkpoint, probably the most significant improvement that we could make in that location. Additionally, sir in our efforts to raise the global bar of security, there is a path to get to ct deployment at last points of departure airports in the future. Very good. Thank you. The chair recognizes the Ranking Member. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I think in line with what youve just said, theres an ongoing interest that this committee has had about how long it takes to get new technology deployed. And it just continues to be a problem. Sometimes were told its ak si acquisition, sometimes were told its testing, but it just never happens. Other airports around the world have already put new technology in place. Sometimes it might just make sense to go to the airport and see what theyre doing, rather than always wanting and im saying this to say that if we know vulnerabilities exist and new technologies are somewhere being deployed, i think we would be remiss if we didnt pursue that. To that question, we were told a few years ago that we are spending somewhere around 9 per passenger at airports on security per passenger. Do you have any idea where were spending on trains or buses or cruise lines per passenger . No, sir, i dont. In the airport, we provide the security on board cruise lines and mass transit system, the security is provided by owners and operators. So we have nothing to do with security for trains . We do, sir. We have responsibility for security, but the way it works is, the owners and operators provide the security. Unlike in an airport, where tsa provides the security. What we do is provide guidelines for what those surface transportation modes should do for security. Those are actually quite good. So youre saying we have nothing to do with it other than provide the guidelines. We dont provide oversight to see what theyre doing or anything like that . Yes, sir, we provide oversight of the guidelines we jointly developed with them and we have regular dialogue with them. So when someone is not meeting the standards, what do you do . We have a discussion of where the shortfall is, and our experience with the surface transportation modes is that theyre very quick to remedy the observations that we make. So how do you rank surface Transportation Systems, pass, fail, marginal or what . From my perspective, and i was just up in new york city and new jersey visiting the surface Transportation Systems last week. I would mark them as pass. Im trying to get to how do you mark it . Does amtrak provide you with something and then you review it and say its okay or how do you do it . We develop guidelines how to provide the security, and thats very person if i believe, becau they come back with we understand that outcome. Heres how we think as operators we can best achieve it and we agree on a way forward. If you have any written reviews of Passenger Rail systems in this country, can you provide that information to the committee . Yes, sir. Next thing, are you aware that there are airports in this country who invested moneys if modifying their airports pursuant to tsas direction to accommodate equipment that has not been reimbursed over ten years lateer . Yes, sir. I believe those are the inline baggage systems that many airports put in place. Their understanding was they would be reimbursed. They have submitted a claim for that amount. We have reviewed those claims, and those are now back with the airports. 14 of the 19 we agreed to was appropriate for review, and theyre back to the airport for comments. The challenge is having the funding to be able to pay for that investment theyve already made. So we have made at tsas direction the improvements, spent local taxpayer money, and over ten years later, we still are back and forth trying to get those airports their money . Yes, sir, thats my understanding. Well, can you provide us the status of those you said 19 airports . Yes, sir. There were 19 total. 14 submitted or we approved can you provide that to us . Yes, sir. The last item, mr. Chairman, in 2007, Congress Passed a bill i authored implementing recommendations of the 9 11 act. The law required tsa to pub hick regulations requiring transit systems to provide front line workers with Security Training and develop and implement security plans. Over a dekad after that bill was enacted, tsa has yet to issue these regulations. Whats the do you have any idea why they havent done it . Yes, sir. I recognize its been a very long time. As i understand it, theres a requirement for training, vetting and for the security plans. Two of those three are well in the process. One is in the rule making and the third is cued up beyond fiscal 19. Fiscal 19 . 12 years after Congress Passed the law . Yes, sir. Well, mr. Chairman, i think thats in line with how we do the technology and some other things. We just somehow, and i know you inherited a lot of this, but at some point, some of this should be done if a more timely manner. And i would encourage you, mr. Administrator to get a sense of how many of these issues are outstanding and how do we bring closure to them. Otherwise, our public will continue to lack the confidence necessary and the systems that they use to go back and forth in this country. I yield back, mr. Chair. Chair recognizes mr. Rogers. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Welcome, administrator. You have a real challenge ahead of you. This agency that you run is broken badly, and it needs your attention. I want to ask you about the fast tracking of passengers in airports. Weve got the precheck brand, which weve been working real hard to make people aware of that they can pay a onetime fee and get into a faster lane. Its a winwin for everybody. But theres been a practise of fast tracking when the lines are delayed in the normal check points, theyll put a group of people out and put them into the precheck line randomly, and its confusing people that are in the precheck line. What can you do to maintain the brand for precheck that makes people want to participate in it . Our goal is to increase precheck, and i understand why that activity would be a disincentive to pay the fee and enroll. We no longer do that. That was done in the past. Thats not done any longer. What we do though, if theres a canine in the checkpoint and the canine sweeps a series of passengers without a reaction, then we feel weve done some vetting through the canine and we mv them into precheck. Its a way to manage lanes. Secondly, you and i talked in my office a week or so ago about the need for a National Consortium of explosive detection canines greedi s bree training experts. I have a bill i plan to produce next week, that will have tsa experts, along with private sector trainers, work to create a scientifically validated center for explosive detection canines. I want to ask your commitment to work with me with the sense of urgen si. Yes, sir. Im a strong supporter of canine programs. I strongly support what youre doing. Thank you, sir. I yield back. Chair recognizes the gentleman from rhode island. Not here. Chair recognizes mr. Keating. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, admiral, for your service. I want to get back to the Ct Technology, the 3d technology. You said hypothetically that could be done. But theres other countries using them. So when you say hypothetically you could do that now, are you saying that the technology doesnt exist, even though its being utilized elsewhere or what . No, the technology exists. In fact, im going to visit the airport next week so what did you mean hypothetically then . Why is it hypothetical . Due to funding. Thats interesting. So you could use more funding to keep people safeer . To invest in the Ct Technology requires funding above what tsa has. There are other options for that funding. I mean, the public, they are surcharged a certain amount of money. 2. 8 billion of that has been pulled back from what the public gives for deficit reduction. Well talk about that later. But you could use 1. 28 billion. Would that really help you getting rid of the hypothetical in terms of funding . Yes, sir. We compete for funding like every other agency does. How far would that go . Thats a lot of money. It would go a long way. So we could be safer, clearly, because of technology, safer in your opinion . Were not doing it because of money, but were taking away passenger funded money. And the president s budget et, are you satisfied with the president s budget . I support the budget are you satisfied that it keeps us safe given the technology thats practically given to us right now . Sir, i was not involved when that budget was developed im just asking your opinion. Im not blaming you for the budget. Are you satisfied were safer with that budget when you just said that money being taken away from the budget itself could make us safer because of the 3d scanning . Thats not satisfactory to me, is it to you . When that budget was developed, we werent on the path of ct check points. Do you favor taking that money back . Were talking about 10 billion plus for a wall. I mean, we have the money. So youre telling me that were not safe, americans respect safe, we have Technology Available to make them much safer, but its money, not the technology itself . Am i clear . I dont believe i said americans werent safe. Safer. Certainly additional investment would make travelers safer. Is the pfeiffer program a good program . Yes, sir. Why sit being cut 31 teams to 8 . Its a tradeoff with other priorities. You just said when they did the budget and other things, it wasnt in sequence, but this was already there. That includes canine, patrol and those teams. That keeps us safer, but were not funding that either. When you look at the overall budget, heres a question to think about is, can you use that funding to provide more transportation to Security Officers at a checkpoint versus a viper team. Those are the tradeoffs made all the time. I think theres a tradeoff with a wall. We know, and we cant get into it, what was discussed before at a classified hearing. But we know, i would call it a present inc. Dadanger, so we ha present danger right now. We have the technology and resources to do it, but were not because of funding. Were taking it away on budge reduction and were paying for a wall. I yield back. Chair recognizes mr. Barleta from pennsylvania. Thank you, thurm. For years i called on the Obama Administration to complete a screening system which the 9 11 commission called an essential investment in our security. Tracking the arrival and departure of foreign visitors to the United States is a critical point of our national skruecuri and immigration control. Without this information, it is impossible to know if foreign visitors have left or jooverstad their visa. Im pleased we now have a president whose utmost priority is ensuring the safety of the American People. Hes clearly laid out border and National Security priorities that include the speedy completion of a tracking system for all travelers to the United States. Although entryexit policy and operations are primarily under the jurisdiction of borders and customs protection. But how is tsa working with cvp to utilize Biometric Technology to enhance National Security . Our desire is to also use biometrics. The first stop is you provide your drivers license and passport. We would like to get to a biometric, to have the same that u. S. Customs and Border Protection uses. We coordinate with them extensively on this. Weve already tested out some technology, which are under evaluation right now. And how is tsa working to ensure information is properly shared between the agencies . Yes, sir. We meet with customs and Border Protection on a regular basis. We have a strong relationship with them. Were both from the same airports. And im confident well find a way to share that Information Secure hi. Thank you. Second question. For decades the castro regime has ruled with an iron fist over the nation of cuba. I believe concessions should be made until the castros give their people the freedoms we have every day. Under president obama, flights between the u. S. And cuba resumed, but we are unaware of the daytoday operations of cuban airports, including training and screening. The fact that the cuban government controls the vetting and hiring of many airport employees is a significant vulnerability. Can you please tell me what steps are being taken to address the security risks at cuban airports and commercial flights between the United States and cuba . Yes, sir. In our effort to raise the bar on global Aviation Security, some measures have been implemented. Tsa inspectors have done a tremendous job in visiting all 280 last parts of departure airports to ensure the july measures were implimted according to our guidance. They also checked for the october 26th compliance and cuba is one of the first countries to come in full compliance with the october 26 measure. So on the basis of our inspections of their efforts to we found them in compliance. Thank you for your service. You have a tough job. The chair recognizes ms. Watsoncoleman from new jersey. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Mr. Administrator, i live in new jersey. Im very concerned about the threats to surface Transportation Systems. We witnessed recent attacks in other places against these systems and we know that al qaeda has tried to instruct people on how to attack these kinds of places. We talk about Aviation Security and all thats being done. But i need to talk to you a little bit and ask questions about surface transportation. Yes, maam. Does the tsa have the authorities it needs to ensure that our nations surface Transportation Systems will be secure . Yes, maam, we do. We have the authority to regulate, and we have the authority to issue security directi directives. Do you have the capacity to do the things you have the authority to do . Maam, thats an area im looking at very closely. As you know, i spent some time up in the new yorknew jersey area just last week and have met with other owners and operators of other Transportation Systems. Its an area of focus for me and i want to ensure were properly focused for it. Its an issue that is very important to me, and the tech of the woods that i come from and am planning to have a field hearing to discuss this, and would love to discuss this with you there. I would like to now ask you talk to you a little bit about sort of the morale. And the placement of tsa and sort of the network of good morale, bad morale. It has been traditionally a low. So what is your plan to address this low morale issue . Maam, youre correct that morale is not anywhere where we would want it to be. But in the most recent survey, our numbers went up pi several points. So the trend line for the first time in many years is now positive. I want to spend a good amount of time understanding this morale issue, but i can share with you some things we have put in place or will very shortly. One is investing in the leadership of our transportation Security Officers on the front line. In fairness to them, i think its important to provide me the skills when we come into leadership positions, so they can properly take care of the folks that are now in their charge. Employee morale is an incredible high issue for me. I would submit as morale improves, security effecttiveness improves at the same time. And its our job to see that you have the resources you need to make sure that many security procedures and needs are being met to keep us all very, very safe. And for that reason, i also support not draining the aviation fees back into the general fund, when indeed you have such a tremendous need, and its such an obvious need, and we have a responsibility. I also am very interested in you as a new administrator there. Your willingness to commit to reviewing all the policies and procedures that lead to pathways to more secure jobs, higher level jobs. I have tremendous respect for your frontployemployees. I have found them to be courteous and thorough. And my husband who carries a bag thats stuffed with everything from his childhood to this time in his life, often gets taken aside and going through that bag. I appreciate that. Because i recognize that is a measure of doublechecking. Even though he looks real innocent, and hes a little older, cant be a problem to anybody. Your people are very conscientious in doing that. Having said that, there are policies and procedures that may impede successful retention, as well upward mobility for your emmoye ee employees, and im wondering if you will commit to reviewing those . Yes, maam. And i appreciate your comments about the tsa workforce. I generally appreciate the hard work that they have and the good job that they do. One of the things were working on and we should have out in a short period of time, because i do want to shorten the cycle times for tsa decisions is a career path for our front line officers, and require training for resident and nonpresident dent that will be provided to them as a prerequisite to promotion. So i would be very happy to have further discussion with you on it. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I yield back. Gentleman from new york. Thank you, mr. Chairman. While i was waiting my turn here to talk to you, i was looking on hooin a online and i noticed the Trump Administration reversed some of president obamas policies with respect to cuba. Were you aware of any of that coming down the pike this no, sir. Its going to scale back tremendously the travel. So if you could get back with what that means for travel and security within cuba. Okay. Thank you. As i may have mentioned in a previous setting, i got back from a congressional delegation not long ago. We went to western europe and jordan to look at airports and Airport Security. One of the things we heard from people in germany and amsterdam is that Security Officials think that have you heard that before . I have not heard that before. I was up at iko in montreal back in september, and can attest that the standards are good standards. What i said in my keynote address is we need to, as a global community, press to implement these standards across the globe. And with a sense of urgency. How do we do that . Well, primarily from my perspective, we have a quad four within the iko thats the United States, the european commission, canada and australia. Amongst the quad 4 countries, we are completely aligned to implement the standards. And we represent most of the air traffic in the world. So well continue to press that with our quad 4 partners and our leadership. I would say that i had the opportunity to sit down with the secretarygeneral while i was there, and iko is greatly improving the priority of security. So i was actually very heartened by the staffs commitment to keep pursuing security and being aggressive about it. You sound far more positive than our european counterparts. So theres a disconnect. Your european counterparts are expressing concerns about many countries, especially countries that fly into the airports that may not be adhering to the minimum standards. My take is that it is a minimum standard thing. Some of the airports that meet standards are shocking. So i dont necessarily agree with you that the standards are robust for a lot of airports. You can see a lot of airports hike in the caribbean and the middle east that technically may be meeting standards that its jaw dropping. Well, im going to spend a good part of the day with my european counterpart on that trip to europe. And another thing we saw is something that i think this is correct, all the European Union airports mandate 100 employee screening. Even in jordan, they mandate 100 screening. We saw first hand and its quite robust. It doesnt seem to be a huge burden for them to go through a checkpoint. But you have the differences in the u. S. Is amazing. To me, i want to know your opinion, whether its is it that much more difficult in the United States to have 100 of emmoyees screened . I share your concern with insider threat. Thats one of the more significant channels facing us as an overall community. Some studies state if you randomly screen x percent, youre as effective as screening 100 percent. I want to take a look at that. I have been in the secure areas of airports, and of course, on the tarmac, and it is an area that i do think we need to take okay look at. Atlanta doesnt seem to be mising a beat. Since ive been in office in 2015, weve had guns smuggled on from atlanta to new york, weve had drug cases, flight attendants carrying drugs in through the checkpoints because theyre not screened. Weve had in the case of dallasft. Worth, we had an employee who was checking the manifest to see where the federal air marshals was theying, and he was the ring leader for a Drug Trafficking ring. So i dont subscribe to your fact that the screening is working, because in that case in dallasft. Worth, they knew where the screeners were. They just simply called their counterparts and went to other entries that werent secure. So i would ask that you respond to me within ten days or so, what your thoughts are, ad to whether or not employee screening is something we should pursue. Will do. Thank you. Recognize the gentle lady from new york, ms. Rice. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I would hike to align myself with the comments of my colleague, ms. Watson from new jersey. As you know, new york has one of the most expensive public Transportation Systems in the world. Im glad to hear that Service Transportation is a priority for you, and i would like to join with my kol league colleague to you. So i think the other thing that youre doing well is placing the focus on the morale of the employ employees. In the short time ive been here in three years, its a persistent problem, regardless of who sits in your chair and who holds your position. And you can understand why. They seem to get fewer resources, fewer accolades, fewer that a boys, that kind of stuff. So im glad to hear you are focused on the morale. But one thing that if you speak to employees, they would want to make sure that you have their back. And a lot of that has to do with are you in a position, do you feel like you can tell the president or anyone in the administration that you need certain things that policies that they are putting in place are maybe not best for the National Security, domestic security of our country . And to that end, i dont know if this is something that everyone who has to go through who is appointed has to go through some kind of confirmation process. Do you have to were you required to take any kind of loyalty oath to the president and or the administration. No, maam. I was never required to take a loyalty oath and i did go through a confirmation process. So what would you tell employees . If you if something came up short, do you feel that you had the ability to say that publicly and ask for more resources from either congress or the administration through administrative action that you may want to take in my job is to advocate for transportation and security and advocate for it strongly and for our employees having the right tools and the right training to do their jobs. I advocate for that as the budgets are being build. Right now were working on the fiscal 19 budget. My job is to make sure we get the resources that we need to do our jobs. However, im never going to get all the resources. I dont think any Agency Leaders would say thats the case. There are tradeoffs made within budget limits. So my job is to make sure that those tradeoffs, if they need to be made, are made considering the urgency of the requirements we have in the tsa. Your workforce is the first line of defense. Right. So im glad that you recognize that. Just final question, what is how long have you been in this position . Almost three months. Do you feel like its a lifetime . No, no. What would you say are your two or three biggest chance as you see them in the short time that you have been there . Yeah, thats a great question, maam. The first would be bringing more technology into the checkpoint environment. Its clear to me that needs to be done. I dont think anybody disputes that needs to be done. And to try to do it urgently as we can. If i were a Security Officer working on the front line, and ive been with many over them over the last several weeks, youre going to do a better job if youre more confident on the technology thats assisting you. Plus that reinforces that your agency and government is willing to invest in the cools that youre being asked to do. So my focus is first on technology and to the system through innovation. And the other focus is on the workforce, because as you just said, that workforce is our last line of defense in many cases. The workforce consists of the points at the checkpoint. We have inspectors around the world that inspect compliance with our regulations, and we have federal air marshals on flights. So that whole system of employees, to me, i want to focus and make sure that they have the tool, the training, the support that they need. And i do that by my goal as the administrator is to be out of d. C. As often as im in d. C. So at least try to hit a 5050 balance. And i have competed that in the first couple of months. I want to introduce myself. Finally, when i coget out into the field, which is at least once a week, sometimes more, i do hold town halls with employees to hear they are concerns. And once they raise a point of view or an issue, to get back to me with a resolution. If i could just make one suggestion, you can predecessor had a big focus on trying to increase the morale among the workforce. And just ask you, i dont know if you have spoken with him but he put a focus on ongoing training. I dont know if you have continued that or chosen to change that. Training of the workforce. Didnt change it. Actually enhanced it. He was exactly right. What he did is he instituted a tsa academy where all new employees went to this academy in georgia. We have continued that. And what we have done is mapped out a career path for our front line employees at the check lanes. This shows the training they received from us to make them eligible to Different Levels within the checkpoint. That hasnt been done in the past. Its been one of the challenges of trying to think about it and map it forward and publish it. So we intend to publish this so our new employees and the folks that have been seasoned employees can say this is my career path from an entry level to becoming a supervisor at the checkpoint. And heres both the resident and nonresident training that tsa will equip me to be ready for those positions. Thank you very much. I yield back. Chair recognizes the gentleman from louisiana. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Admiral, thank you for appearing before us today. Thank you for your service to our country. Sir, baggage granting technology utilizes 3d imaging. And through the precheck or nonprecheck line, all bags are checked in this manner . Thats correct. And in the nonprecheckline, the human being had to remove their shoes, checked in a similar manner . Thats correct. And if a threat is detected in baggage that goes through the screening, and that bag is physically checked by a tsa operator, is that correct. Yes, sir. And if a threat is detected on that human, then that person is checked in a similar manner by a tsa agent . Yes, thats correct. Patted down, wanted, et cetera. Right. Are prechecked passengers required to remove their shoes . No, theyre not. The baggage is chekd, but preche prechecked passengers can keep Electronic Devices in their bag. And a prechecked passenger goes through a metal detector, correct in it does. Will it detect a composite, o or plastic knife . No, it would not. Would it detect a plastic l pepper spray . No. So would you base on what we discussed, the final line of defense regarding protecting our citizenry from inflight hijacking threat is the federal air Marshal Service and the flight deck officer program. Would you concur thats the final line of defense . Yes, sir. But i would say that theres a front line to that overall posture, and thats the vetting voss that gets folks into precheck in the first place. So our assumption is that they represent less risk. Understood. But we just determined that theres certainly a possibility given the current Tech Knowledge thats in use right now across the country. Many millions of prechecked passengers could potentially pose a threat, do you agree . Yes, sir. Theres never a 100 guarantee. So the federal air Marshal Service has not hired any new air marshals or supervisors since 2011. Is that correct . No, sir. I believe they have hired in the last couple of years. Do you know those numbers . I do no. Im also advised that the federal air Marshal Service does not have a complete and timely data report to the extent of which air marshals have completed their annual recurrent training. Do you have datary flecktive to just what extent the air marshals have maintaining their annual training . We do track their currency with annual training, but i dont know if theres a database that does that. Are you satisfied that the federal air marshal confidence, as well, lets not overlook the flight deck officer program, which allows flight crew members to take part in special air marshal training cors in selfdefense, in chose range, target, and instruction. How satisfied with that level of training and share what your plans are to beep that up. From the federal flight i would like to hear your opinion about it. Ive been through part of the training that the fdos are provided and that training is excellent overall. The number of people enrolled has grown over the course of time. Its a very Beneficial Program for inflight security, coupled with our federal air marshals. Thank you for your attention to that matter. I believe its urgent, mr. Chairman. Ill yield back. Chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I want to thank you for holding this most important hearing. And i want to thank you asks for your comments and testimony. Before this hearing, i reached out to john wayne airport, which is the only National Airport in my own county. I was learned that the airport enjoys a productive relationship with tsa. So i thank you and tas for coming into give security. I wanted to follow up with some of the comments of ms. Rice and ms. Watson. Especially on tsa attorney el and morale. Im concerned about retention rates, morale. What is your retention rate . Across the entire enterprise is about 12 for fulltime employees. I agree with you, i think so excuse me, 12 stay and 88 move on . No, no, 12 attrition rate. Okay. Yeah, 12 attrition, but it varies by airport. So are there you talked about a twoweek academy training. Is that enough, given that we continue to face threats that are always evolving technological technologically . Do you have continuing training for these individuals so theyre up to par with whats going on . Yes, sir, theres continual Training Provided at the airport and instructor led training at the airport, coupled with the tsa academy. As we build out the career road map for our transportation Security Officers, that are going for other opportunities to go back to georgia for training. How long does the average tsa Employee Stay at ts snarvegs i dont know that off the top of my head. Ive seen the reason i ask, i think that if you, you know, if you figure out how to get the morale up, which is appreciating it and having folks recognize the importance of tsa personnel, the longer theyre there, the more expert they become at recognizing things that are not normal. And therefore being able to investigate. So i would like to work with you. This committee would like to work in making sure that your personnel are more professional, so that theyre looked upon and they feel like a Police Officer or a firefighter would feel. Our job is an important one, and we have to take it that way. You just cant have folks saying here i go with another eight hours. But rather here i go, i have an important job to do. Couldnt agree more. Thank you very much. Thank you, mr. Chairman. My district is home to the port of los angeles. We just had a field hearing out there. The port of l. A. Manages a high volume of traffic and features passenger and cargo terminals. Last week when we had the field hearing, one of the witnesses we h had expressed some concerns over the transportation worker identification credential program. He said it was ineffective and expensive and it imposed significant hardships on americans. And he highlighted problems with due process concerns for employees who have to ateal a tsa intern denial. In this case, the burden falls on the worker to prove theres no disqualifying convictions. Is evaluating twic a priority for you . The program has been in mace a good number of years. In fact, i used of a twic card myself. Enrollment proceeds very quickly. So thats perhaps what youre talking about. Ill go back and take a look how long it takes to resolve some of those issues, but most of the problem problems falls on them. I think there are greater problems than just the enrollment process. Maybe we can talk more about that. I know in the 114th congress, they enacted a bill, the essential transportation worker identification assessment act, requiring the ths conduct a comprehensive assessment of the benefits and costs of the twic card is. Do you expect that assessment to be completed by march of 2018 in i do not know the status, but i can get back to you with that information. Fantastic. This morning, i was able to come to part of a briefing. And i had an experience about a month ago, i was nighing home to california, and i was in an airport that was pretty empty. I dont think we saw a passenger go through taste for art 20 minutes. They said would you take one issue to congress . Here we are, with the team tasked with stopping explosives from going through, on to a plane, which could prevent a terrorist attack, yet the morale is low, and the pay, we havent had an increase. And so i wanted to first just manage that, because i promised the tsa agent that i ran into, that i would bring this back and certainly ask about it. I wonder if that would help the what were seeing to improve not just morale, but to make sure were getting people in these positions who are being very thorough and making sure were not missing any possible threatening situations from coming to the airport. Yes, i think it would help. When you enter what youre paid, not adjusted for cola, but your basic bay with your pay increase. You join taste, youre a tso and you havent had a pay raise, most employees get some kind of a longevity. When you go to tsa and you go off to the academy, upon graduation, you would get a pay raise. Then if you got promoted to a lead transportation Security Officer, somebody in large of that lane. So somebody could see if i entered the entry level play, what pay within four or five years might i get all this trak and i was veried. So importantly for me, theres what kind of Skill Development and training and Leadership Development queld provide. Thank you, i yield back. A couple of things, whistleblower protection. Is there a reason why we dont offer the protection for tsa force worse as other federal employees. I thought we did provide whistleblower protection. Certainly from my perspective. Absolute ly. Get back to us, i think theres some misunderstanding in the language. Employees feel like they cant do the right thing for fear of reprisal. I want them to do the right thing period. Absolutely. The cherubman talked aboairman and everyone agreed thats the way forward with his new technology. Some of us have looked at air cargo situation. Its one of the ways to move at. I think theres a demonstration perhaps on the way somewhere with that, in light of what happened. And australia. You know, were trying to pursue legislation that would move that along. And we have some ideas about it. Likely look at it and get some views whether you think ct scanning makes sense and its the right thing and all of that. Yes, sir. I do know that the way you check air cargo can vary and be effective. For example the use of canines. The challenge with Ct Technology, with respect to air darko in particular, is the were looking at other means that Cargo Carriers can use to achieve the same security outcome. Thank you. You will get back to use . Yes, sir. We have some emergency amendments and security directives issued with respect to air cargo and some of the fro siege e information to be used. Thank you for your testimony here today. Congratulations on your position and your first testimony before this committee. The Ranking Member and i are will be sending a letter to the secretary addressing our path moving forward, particularly with respect to technology, to address the threats that we face. And so with that, members may have additional questions. And pursuant to the rules, the hearing will be held open for ten days. Without objection, the committee stands adjourned. In honor of veterans day, Vice President pence will head to Arlington National cemetery to lay wreath at the tomb of the unknowns. Hell be there in place of President Trump who is currently overseas. Throughout the weak, we heard members of Congress Talking about veterans and their contributions. Heres a look at what dick durbin had to say on thursday from the senate floor. Mr. President , i would like to speak for a moment about the veterans day, which is just two days away. On saturday, the 11th of november, americans will honor the courage and sacrifice of veterans. More than 40 million have served our nation in uniform, from bunker hill, baghdad and beyond. Ive been thinking about the words of one of those brave patriots, the son and grandson of military