Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4094, the One-Stop Pilot Program Act of 2021 authorizes the Transportation Security Administration to establish a pilot program to streamline international travel and enhance aviation security.

Specifically, under this bill, international travelers from certified last point of departure airports would not need to be rescreened upon arrival in the United States for their domestic connecting flight.

H.R. 4094 will improve international aviation security since participating LPD airports must elevate their level of security to that of the United States in order to be certified. Given the desire and competition among international airports to participate, the one-stop security pilot will help to raise the global baseline of aviation security.

The bill ensures robust oversight of the pilot program by requiring TSA to brief and certify to Congress that security standards are maintained at participating pilot airports. Additionally, the pilot program will inform Congress and DHS as to whether a more permanent one-stop program is practical and beneficial to U.S. aviation security.

One-stop screening would enable TSA to better utilize its screening workforce and technology to help facilitate the increased travel volume as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just this morning, the TSA administrator testified before the Committee on Homeland Security about the security and efficiency benefits that this pilot program will have on TSA's operations.

The pilot program will also provide international travelers with a more seamless and efficient travel experience. Travelers will no longer have to rush to be rescreened by TSA during their layover and will have more time at the airport without fear of missing their connecting flights.

The aviation industry will also realize efficiencies as a result of this bill. Air carriers will potentially be able to shorten connection times for travelers and streamline staffing at participating airports. U.S. airports will also see benefits as connecting travelers will have more time to dine and shop while on their layover. This is critically important as the travel and tourism industry continues to struggle with the effects of this brutal pandemic.

For these reasons, and many others, aviation and travel industry stakeholders are very enthusiastic about this legislation, and I appreciate their strong support.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters of support from Airlines for America, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the Airports Council International North America.

Airlines for America,

Washington, DC, June 29, 2021.

Ranking Member John Katko,

House Committee on Homeland Security,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Ranking Member Katko: I write to express Airlines for

America's (A4A) robust support for H.R. 4094, the ``One-Stop

Pilot Program Act of 2021.'' This bill would serve as a

critical tool for the Transportation Security Administration

(TSA), partner governments and the commercial aviation

industry to pilot innovative ways to increase security at

foreign last point of departure airports while increasing

efficiency of screening for passengers and baggage within the

United States.

This bill would authorize a pilot program at 10 or fewer

foreign last point of departure airports, permitting

passengers flying from these airports and their carry-on

baggage to continue to additional flights or flight segments

within the U.S. without additional security rescreening. U.S.

airlines have collaborated positively with the TSA on similar

initiatives for years, but unfortunately our collective

efforts have been stymied by outdated requirements in the

Aviation and Transportation Security Act.

By permitting the TSA to pilot a new concept in a safe and

controlled manner, it will be possible to demonstrate how

such security enhancement programs may be permanently and

broadly implemented. The bill is consistent with standards

and recommended practices set by the International Civil

Aviation Organization and puts the United States in a

position to lead the international community on modern

approaches to enhance aviation security.

Safety and security are always the top priorities of A4A

and our member airlines, and we are encouraged that this bill

maintains the high aviation security standards for flights

into and within the United States. Upon passage, we look

forward to continued collaboration with the TSA on all One-

Stop security efforts.

On behalf of the commercial U.S. aviation industry, A4A

strongly supports this legislation. Thank you for your

leadership on this issue.

Sincerely,

Lauren Beyer,

Vice President, Security and Facilitation,

Airlines for America.

Mr. Speaker, lastly, I thank my friend, Representative Stephanie Murphy from Florida, for her partnership on this bipartisan bill, and I thank Chairman Thompson, my friend, for his commitment to bringing it to the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 4094.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the previous question and in support of immediately considering legislation I introduced with dozens of my colleagues to address the deadly, record- breaking crisis along the southwest border.

Specifically, this bill, H.R. 4828, requires the Department of Homeland Security to secure our Nation's borders through the immediate renewal of the border wall project that was initiated by the previous administration, major investments in security technologies, and increased hiring of frontline Border Patrol agents and Federal law enforcement officers.

The Border Security for America Act is a multifaceted solution to secure our borders and prioritize the safety of Americans.

As a result of President Biden's misguided and destructive border security policies, there were 208,887 encounters along the southwest border in August 2021. That is a 317 percent increase from the previous year.

August was the sixth straight month with more than 170,000 illegal encounters, a trend never before recorded. In a 24-hour period on August 1 of this year, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered over 5,900 individuals from 33 different countries trying to cross the border.

This is not seasonal migration from Northern Triangle countries, as this administration would have you believe. This is a self-inflicted disaster stemming from this administration's destruction of any semblance of border security that began on President Biden's first day.

While many of us thought the border crisis couldn't possibly get any worse, just this week over 15,000 migrants illegally surged into Del Rio, Texas.

According to the recently departed chief of the Border Patrol, the front line is rapidly losing the situational awareness required to know who and what is entering our homeland. Border Patrol has already intercepted known or suspected terrorists trying to come across the border this year ``at a level we have never seen before.''

Illegal immigration is not the only threat along the border. This year CBP has already seized enough fentanyl at the border to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States seven times over. That is just what we caught at the border. Without adequate resources and personnel, fentanyl and other destructive drugs are able to flood into our communities all over this great Nation and poison our constituents, as has happened in my district in central New York.

In addition to ensuring preparedness along the border, the Border Security for America Act would resume construction of the border wall system, requiring the hiring and training of additional officers and agents to maintain an active-duty presence along the southwest border-- something we don't have right now, an increased number of agricultural specialists, K-9 units, and support officers.

We know these policies work and that President Biden's negligence has already proven dangerous to our national security. That is why this bill has the support of the National Border Patrol Council, which represents 18,000 frontline Border Patrol agents and support staff. We are simply trying to provide the frontline agents with what they are asking for.

I often hear my friends on the other side of the aisle, whom I respect, accuse Republicans of complaining about problems without offering solutions. Well, here we are, giving you the opportunity to vote on a strong, commonsense solution to secure our borders and protect our communities.

I urge my colleagues to support the security of the United States and to support our frontline men and women by passing this bill.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1870, the Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2021.

It is simply not enough for our Federal Government to be prepared for an attempted terrorist attack. We must ensure that our State and local partners are prepared as well.

Nowhere else is this more apparent than in the case of surface transportation. This legislation ensures that the Federal Government is providing sufficient information, intelligence, and training to State and local partners to better defend surface transportation assets.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 1870, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge Members to support this bill, and I congratulate my colleague on it.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1893, the Transportation Security Preparedness Act of 2021.

Our dedicated TSA workforce is critical in protecting our Nation's transportation system. This legislation will ensure that the voices of those frontline workers who have served tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic are heard as TSA improves its preparedness and protection of the transportation system in the face of future public health threats.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 1893.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge Members to support the bill of my good friend, Bonnie Watson Coleman, the sponsor of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1895, the Transportation Security Public Health Threat Preparedness Act of 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic tested every aspect of our Nation's infrastructure. The nature of a global pandemic has brought into focus the impact that transportation systems can have on the spread or control of such pandemics.

This legislation, sponsored by my friend and colleague, Mr. Gimenez, ensures that the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic are analyzed by TSA and that it takes the appropriate steps to be prepared should another public health emergency ever occur.

Given the importance of the transportation system in the economy and everyday life of this country, it is paramount that the Federal Government ensure better preparedness and resilience of the system.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in support of H.R. 1895.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gimenez).

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1877, the Security Screening During COVID-19 Act.

The COVID-19 pandemic has tested our Nation's preparedness on many fronts. Like in so many other areas, it is important that we emerge from this pandemic stronger than when it started. This legislation seeks to make our aviation security more resilient by requiring TSA to develop a plan for screening operations during the pandemic.

Madam Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 1877. I congratulate my colleague and friend from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver).

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, I urge Members to support this bill and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1871, the Transportation Security Transparency Improvement Act. Clarity and transparency are important everywhere in government, and the TSA is no exception. This bill will ensure that TSA creates a more consistent and transparent system for determining what qualifies as sensitive security information, or SSI. It further requires TSA to work closely with transportation stakeholders in the development, review, and implementation of new requirements, known as security directives, or SDs, and emergency amendments, or EAs.

It is critical that TSA works hand in glove with our transportation industry to ensure the safest, most efficient travel for all Americans.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 1871, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop).

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I urge Members to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I want to thank my colleague from New York for supporting my bill,

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge Members to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2980, the Cybersecurity Vulnerability Remediation Act. I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), my friend, for being a staunch advocate of CISA and these important cybersecurity issues. I look forward to continuing to work with her and my other colleagues on the preeminent national security threat facing our Nation today.

Madam Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 2980, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I urge Members to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 3223, the CISA Cyber Exercise Act. I thank my friend and colleague, Ms. Slotkin, for her leadership on this bill, which establishes a cyber exercise program

within CISA to elevate the National Cyber Incident Response Plan.

As cyberattacks affecting our Nation's critical infrastructure continue to rise, it is imperative that State and local governments and the private sector leverage the free services CISA offers to help prevent and mitigate the scourge of ransomware and other cyberattacks facing our Nation.

I am pleased that this legislation will authorize another vital tool in CISA's arsenal.

I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 3223, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I urge Members to support this fine bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from New York for her words in support of H.R. 3264, a bill I introduced called the Domains Critical to Homeland Security Act. We are now a year and a half into the COVID pandemic and, as a country, have yet to make substantial progress in making our supply chains more secure and resilient.

America's economic and homeland security depends on the flow of goods, services, information, and technology across our physical and virtual borders. And as we all know, COVID-19 exposed many risks and flaws to our critical supply chains; flaws that we now must address.

Over the past year and a half, we painfully discovered that China was a world leader in the production of personal protective equipment. And despite being the epicenter of the pandemic, China was in a privileged position, blocking the rest of the world's access to PPE at a time of maximum need.

China selfishly was able to plan ahead with its asymmetrical knowledge of what would be needed, choosing to put the U.S. and the rest of the world at risk. It has become clear that the United States is overly reliant on many important goods from China, such as semiconductors, rare earth minerals used in electronics, and active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, all of which could put Americans' security and resilience at risk. It has become clear that many future supply chain vulnerabilities are likely unknown to us, even now.

With COVID, we learned these lessons the hard way. Now is the time to act by proactively identifying these risks. We can't allow ourselves to be behind the curve in the next national or global disaster. We need to take action and get ahead of the curve and do our best to serve our country. That means we need to stop talking about it and finally put pen to paper.

To do this--to keep our supply chain secure--and to prevent similar disruptions from crippling our economy and jeopardizing our resiliency posture, Homeland Security needs to identify and analyze weak links in the U.S. global supply chains and work to prioritize where efforts need to be focused to strengthen those most critical to our homeland.

My bill requires Homeland Security to do just that; to look at critical supply chains, identify weaknesses, and prioritize vulnerabilities in a way that allows for meaningful action in years ahead to address them. This is really just commonsense legislation. It is about being prepared.

Requiring Homeland Security to report on these vulnerabilities to our economic security annually to Congress and the public will allow for the first time a unifying document that accounts for the security implications of current and future economic decisions, and enable a prioritized policy response to spur action.

It is crucial that Homeland Security lean into its unique position as the only executive department that deals with both the national security and economic prosperity of the Nation, and lead the United States Government as a preeminent economic security agency in the decades to come.

This is a natural maturation of Homeland Security's unique vantage point sitting on top of 16 critical infrastructure sectors where it stitches together a holistic national risk picture.

We can no longer take for granted the resiliency of our economy. We need to work to ensure that all modes of travel are safe, to facilitate trade through our ports of entry, and to keep our networks free from cyberattacks.

Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, Chairman Thompson, for being an original cosponsor, as well as all my committee colleagues for unanimously supporting this bipartisan legislation in committee. Economic security is homeland security, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1850, the Supporting Research and Development for First Responders Act. H.R. 1850 authorizes the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory within the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology directorate.

This important lab tests and evaluates emerging technologies and conducts research and development to assist emergency response providers in preparing for and protecting against Homeland Security threats.

The lab also works to enhance first responder capabilities by partnering with stakeholders to develop viable solutions to radiological and nuclear threats and by acting as a technical adviser to the first responder community.

The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory has assisted in training thousands of State and local first responders during more than 130 training events with State and local agencies throughout the New York City metropolitan area. With New York still serving as a top target for terrorist and other security threats, now is the time to support our front line emergency response providers.

Madam Speaker, I commend my fellow New York colleagues, Representatives Rice and Garbarino, for leading on this issue.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 1850, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to adopt a comment of my colleague from New York (Ms. Clarke) about the great State of New York.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3263, the DHS Medical Countermeasures Act offered by my colleague and friend, Representative Miller-Meeks.

This bill establishes a critical medical countermeasures program within the Department of Homeland Security to protect the workforce from chemical, biological, radiological, and other public health threats.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of preparation and risk mitigation in the face of the unknown. At the Department of Homeland Security, where many components have high-risk, public-facing operations, a medical countermeasures program and stockpile are crucial for ensuring mission continuity.

Like the rest of the country, the Department struggled to maintain sufficient supplies throughout the pandemic. That, combined with the reliance on foreign-made personal protective equipment and other medical supplies, highlights the need for this important legislation.

This bill requires the Homeland Security chief medical officer to maintain a medical countermeasures stockpile and develop standards for its storage, security, and maintenance.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Miller-Meeks for her leadership on this timely bill. I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 3263, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I urge Members to support this bill.

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

Madam Speaker, I mistakenly voted on Roll Call No. 202 on June 30, 2021 and would like to correct my vote to a NAY.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jay Simson, the President of The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, on his retirement after 29 years of dedicated service.

ACEC New York represents the business interests of nearly 300 engineering and related firms in New York State. These are the companies that design our built environment. Without them, our transportation infrastructure, our public buildings, private office towers, hospitals, and so much more would simply not exist.

Jay Simson was a leader in his industry and a driving force for the interests of his member firms in Albany and before Congress. I know many of my colleagues from the New York delegation know Jay and have worked with him on a wide range of issues over the years.

What many of my colleagues might not know about Jay is that he is also an Olympic judge. He served on the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team board and was their delegate to the International Ski Federation. He was also the Head Judge for Freestyle Skiing at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.

I thank Jay Simson for his commitment to the engineering industry and congratulate him on his retirement.