Andrew R. Garbarino

Mr. Speaker, today we recognize Ha McNeill as she concludes her service as Deputy Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration.

Before serving as Deputy Administrator, Mrs. McNeill led TSA as Acting Administrator for more than a year--assuming responsibility for an agency of more than 60,000 employees during an exceptionally demanding period.

Throughout her tenure, Mrs. McNeill demonstrated a remarkable ability to inspire TSA's workforce and guide the agency through uncertainty. That leadership was especially evident during multiple government shutdowns, when Transportation Security Officers and other TSA personnel continued reporting for duty to protect the traveling public, despite the financial strain and uncertainty facing them and their families.

At a time when the workforce needed a steady and compassionate leader more than ever, Mrs. McNeill provided one. She understood that TSA's greatest strength is its people. She communicated directly and honestly with employees, listened to their concerns, and made clear that their service and sacrifices were recognized and deeply valued. Her leadership helped sustain morale, preserve the agency's mission, and reassure a workforce carrying an extraordinary burden.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I had the opportunity to hear directly from Mrs. McNeill on numerous occasions as she testified before the Committee regarding the effects of government shutdowns on TSA's workforce and operations. She was a candid and constructive partner to Congress, ensuring that lawmakers understood not only the operational consequences of a shutdown, but also its very real human impact on TSA employees and their families.

Mrs. McNeill has also been an outstanding advocate for TSA's canine programs and the dedicated canine teams that help secure our Nation's transportation systems. Her support extended to both the highly trained dogs and the TSA handlers who work beside them every day to detect explosives, deter threats, and protect the traveling public.

I was honored to welcome Mrs. McNeill and several TSA canine teams to an event I hosted commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and recognizing the vital role canines play in advancing our Nation's homeland security mission. The event paid tribute to the canine teams that supported the search, rescue, and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the attacks, as well as the teams that continue to help safeguard communities and transportation systems across the country.

Mrs. McNeill's participation reflected her deep appreciation for these canine teams and her unwavering commitment to ensuring that their contributions receive the recognition and support they deserve. I thank her for her exceptional support of TSA's canine workforce, including its dedicated handlers and remarkable dogs, and for championing their indispensable contribution to the security of our homeland.

Mrs. McNeill served the agency with integrity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to its workforce and security mission. Her leadership helped TSA navigate some of its most difficult moments, while continuing to safeguard our Nation's transportation systems and the millions of Americans who rely upon them each day.

On behalf of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I thank Ha McNeill for her distinguished service to TSA and to our Nation. I wish her and her family every success in the next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Long Island Association as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.

For the past century, the Long Island Association has been a driving force for economic growth across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

They have brought together community leaders across all sectors to advocate for the investments and policies that help Long Island succeed.

Whether it is improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, strengthening our Workforce, expanding housing opportunities, or bolstering our healthcare and education systems, the Long Island Association has been a trusted partner in building a stronger future for our region.

Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary achievement, and it speaks to the organization's lasting commitment to the people and businesses that call Long Island home.

I congratulate the Long Island Association, and I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8770) to amend title 49, United States Code, to establish funds for investments in aviation security, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 8770.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act. This legislation establishes a sense of Congress that 9/11 passenger security fee revenue should be put toward TSA security screening purposes following the end of the current fee diversion at the end of fiscal year 2027.

Additionally, this bill directs funds collected from this fee to modernize and sustain explosive detection systems and technology at TSA security checkpoints beginning in fiscal year 2028.

The SAFEGUARDS Act will strengthen aviation security by ensuring passenger security fee revenue is used for its intended purpose: providing additional resources to protect the traveling public.

I thank Representative Strong for his leadership, and I look forward to continuing our engagement on both sides of the aisle and with our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure that this bill improves deployment timelines for critical aviation security technology without any unintended consequences for the TSA workforce or any other TSA operations.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong).

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Evans).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

As you heard from my colleague from Colorado, $4.5 billion was brought in last year under the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee. What passengers don't know is that the first $1.6 billion last year was diverted to something else other than passenger security.

This bill would say the first $750 million of that passenger security fee would go directly to equipment, and then the balance of that money would go to the TSA discretionary fund, which actually would allow the TSA to get access to this money.

Last year, the TSA discretionary fund didn't have access to this money until the first $1.85 billion was spent. Now, they are going to get access, if this bill becomes law, after the first $750 million is spent on security equipment to make our traveling public safe.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8770, and I yield back the balance of my time.