"Lawmakers propose restructuring TSA"

Thursday, December 8, 2005

Lawmakers propose restructuring TSA
>From Mike M. Ahlers
Cable News Network (CNN)


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Four years after it was created, the Transportation
Security Administration should be reorganized to become more business-like,
with incentives to managers who reach security goals, a greater focus on
customer service, and more use of technology, according to several
Republican House members.

Rep. Dan Lungren, R-California, introduced the TSA Reorganization Act of
2005 on Wednesday, saying changes are needed to increase accountability and
reduce passenger frustrations.

"I happen to believe we have seen improvement at TSA, but much more needs to
be done," Lungren said.

The bill would create within the TSA an Airport Screening Organization
headed by a chief operating officer, who would develop a five-year strategic
plan and be eligible for a bonus for meeting TSA goals.

The bill would also do the following:

Provide incentives for airports to save money by providing their own
screening services. Five airports -- including San Francisco International
-- now use private screeners who are supervised by the TSA. Airports that
save money by screening passengers themselves or by hiring private vendors
could invest 90 percent of their savings in airport security technology.

Establish a pilot program to screen international travelers before they
board planes flying to the United States. Currently, passengers in some
countries are screened after the planes depart.

Establish industry-led advisory councils for each mode of transportation to
provide advice to the TSA.

Lungren said his bill is "not an anti-TSA employee document."

"I want to make that clear. What I'm trying to do is to allow the airports
to make the decision, and to provide in there the mechanisms that drag down
the costs, increase the savings, and (increase) technology as soon as
possible."

Lungren said he is pleased with new TSA chief Edmund "Kip" Hawley and "with
the direction he is going."

"What we are trying to do is build on some of what I consider to be
appropriate and responsible changes that he has made and push it as strongly
as we possibly can," Lungren said.

Lungren's bill has the support of Rep. Peter King, R-New York, chairman of
the House Homeland Security Committee; Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, Rep.
Dave Reichert, R-Washington, Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Rep.
Katherine Harris, R-Florida.

A Democratic staffer said Democratic members are reviewing the bill.

Lungren said he supports Hawley's recent decision to allow passengers to
carry on board small scissors and tools so security workers can focus on
detecting bombs.

"I happen to think it's a responsible recognition of the best use of
resources," he said.

By relaxing the rules, Hawley has shown he can adjust to a changing threat
picture, according to Lungren.

Some members of Congress have introduced legislation to keep small scissors
and tools on the list of prohibited items, saying they still present a
danger to aviation.


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