TSA Testimony on Progress in Improving Transportation Security
Speeches & Testimony
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
ORAL STATEMENT OF
GALE D. ROSSIDES
ACTING ADMINISTRATOR
BEFORE THE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
JUNE 10, 2009
- Click here to read the written testimony on TSA's progress on improving transportation security. (PDF, 110kb)
Good afternoon Chairwoman Jackson-Lee, Ranking Member Dent, and distinguished members of the Subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the President's FY 2010 budget request for the Transportation Security Administration and to provide an update on TSA's progress in improving transportation security.
I want to thank the members of the Subcommittee for their leadership, their oversight, and their support of our evolving initiatives to improve transportation security. The Subcommittee's efforts over these seven short years since TSA was created have enabled us to grow from a small cadre of employees to a dedicated workforce of over 50,000, protecting every domestic commercial airport, strengthening security in all transportation modes, and doing so through strong stakeholder and workforce engagement in the U.S. and around the world.
In the Department of Homeland Security, continuity of our mission was vital during the transition period between the administrations. This continuity was assured by designating the career position of Deputy Administrator of TSA as the Acting Assistant Secretary. I am honored to serve in these positions and to appear before you today. That transition is complete and we are running at full speed under Secretary Napolitano's leadership.
We have continued to move forward with more effective and efficient programs that improve security. We have an active, engaged Senior Leadership Team that deals with emerging threats every day. I would like to highlight some of the noteworthy milestones we have achieved already this year.
On January 27, Secure Flight began operations and now is efficiently clearing passengers every day in partnership with four airlines. This initial operating capability is a major milestone in the history of our agency and is a credit to all of our partners in this country and around the world, including strong support from this Committee and others in Congress, the GAO, as well as our colleagues within DHS and others in the Executive Branch. Continued cooperation by airlines is critical to achieve the security and convenience benefits of Secure Flight for all travelers.
In February, we achieved the goal of screening 50 percent of air cargo transported on domestic passenger aircraft. Just as importantly, 100 percent of cargo was screened on more than 95 percent of all flights originating at U.S. airports. We are confident that the 100 percent screening requirement for domestic flights will be met by August 2010.
In March, TSA received $1 billion in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. TSA began purchasing and installing Explosives Detection Systems and advanced checkpoint screening equipment that will greatly accelerate the deployment of new technologies in airports across the country. We are actively working 15 agreements with airports around the nation. These ARRA funds will not only improve security, but also will create jobs and strengthen our economy.
In April, shortly after we issued our one-millionth Transportation Worker Identification Credential, the Coast Guard completed the phased compliance of TWIC enforcement in Captain of the Port Zones nationwide. Ports from coast to coast are more secure today because of this collaborative effort.
In May, TSA's Idea Factory was featured on the White House's website as an innovation that champions the President's vision of more effective and open government. TSA's Idea Factory has led to the implementation of more than 45 innovative ideas that positively impact policies, procedures, and quality of work life. More than 25,000 TSA employees have actively participated on the site. This transparent, vigorously interactive portal benefits both our employees and the traveling public.
And next week the Federal Air Marshall Service will open its second facility dedicated to the recurrent training of Federal Flight Deck Officers, in Dallas, TX.
I want to assure this Committee that TSA has been at full-speed so far in 2009 and knowing Secretary Napolitano, I expect that we will continue. The commitment to our mission – and to improve in everything we do – is widely shared at DHS and it is a privilege for me to represent our part of that team to you today.
Finally, I will close by telling you how grateful I am to this subcommittee for your support of our workforce transformation efforts over the last several years. We have reduced attrition by 60 percent to less than 7 percent today and we have created career paths where hundreds of our employees have moved up into management, inspection, and Federal Air Marshal positions. These accomplishments have been remarkable and can be represented by the role our Transportation Security Officers, inspectors, and Federal Air Marshals play in keeping our nation safe.
It truly is my honor to serve alongside these everyday heroes, the dedicated men and women of TSA. I thank you and I am happy to answer your questions.
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