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. Us