Hoffa Praises House for Passage of TSA Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa praised the House of Representatives on Thursday for swiftly passing HR 2200, which would tighten transportation security.
Hoffa also thanked House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson for his work on the bill authorizing spending for the Transportation Security Administration.
"This legislation is an important step for enhancing our national security," Hoffa said. "It protects our nation by tightening security for surface, air and maritime transportation and provides needed security training for workers in the transportation industry."
David Bourne, director of the Teamsters Airline Division, sent a letter to Chairman Thompson on Wednesday supporting the work of the Homeland Security Committee.
"I am pleased that the House recognizes the need for a single high security standard for aircraft maintenance," said Bourne, "Currently, U.S. aircraft maintained and overhauled in foreign countries do not have to conform to the same security standards as domestic repair stations. This loophole has potentially dire consequences for passengers and the aviation professionals that we represent."
HR 2200 orders TSA to issue long-overdue security standards for foreign repair stations that are comparable to domestic standards for air carriers and airports. The standards would cover background checks, access to aircraft and perimeter security in order to prevent terrorists from infiltrating our aviation system and harming the U.S. or other countries.
This legislation would enhance airport security by requiring airport perimeter checks, 100 percent screening of air cargo, bag matches to passenger lists, air cargo crew training and uniform security background checks.
The legislation also creates a sensible approach to performing criminal background checks for port and hazmat truck drivers, eliminating redundant checks and prohibiting states from requiring separate background checks for transportation security cards.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
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