WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report requested by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, on transportation security entitled: Aviation Security: DHS and TSA Have Researched, Developed, and Begun Deploying Passenger Checkpoint Screening Technologies, but Continue to Face Challenges (GAO-10-128).
GAO indicates that DHS and TSA continue to face challenges when implementing a strategic plan to deploy checkpoint baggage screening technologies. Although DHS does coordinate with stakeholders to do research, develop and deploy checkpoint screening technologies, serious challenges remain when conducting operational testing of certain technologies by TSA.
In June, the House passed H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Authorization Act which addresses some of the concerns highlighted in this report. H.R. 2200 requires the Secretary to develop a strategic plan, in consultation with S&T, for the certification and integration of technologies for transportation security.
The legislation also requires the plan to include a cost-benefit analysis and quantifiable performance measures, and to incorporate those two elements, along with the results of the risk assessment, into the Passenger Screening Program strategic plan. Additionally, to ensure transparency, H.R. 2200 requires an annual report describing the scope, method, and results of developmental and operational tests of screening technologies.
Chairman Thompson released the following statement with the release of the report:
"The findings in this report raise serious concerns regarding TSA's strategic plan in procuring and deploying checkpoint screening technologies across airports. I am supportive of the Department's efforts to provide airports with the most effective security technologies available; however, a comprehensive and sensible strategic plan is critical to ensure that the government minimizes waste while securing the flying public. I am committed to working closely with the Department on this issue."
Link to Report
Committee on Homeland Security
