TSA budgetHouse passes TSA authorization, tells agency to consult GA

The House of Representatives two days ago passed the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act (H.R.2200). The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) said it supported the bill, saying the bill sends a strong message to the TSA to increase general aviation (GA) industry participation on security initiatives.

H.R.2200, the first comprehensive roadmap for the TSA to pass the House since the creation of the agency in 2001, authorizes TSA programs and funding levels for the next two years. It includes provisions to create a GA security working group to ensure that the agency consults stakeholders before imposing security initiatives and to establish a grant program for $10 million in security improvements at GA airports. An amendment to the bill revises the standard for when the TSA can use emergency procedures to issue regulations or security devices.

During the discussion of the bill, members of Congress acknowledged the contributions of GA to the nation’s economy and said that the TSA should collaborate with the industry. “Members from both sides of the aisle have expressed serious concern about TSA’s approach when it comes to general aviation,” said Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) in his opening statement. “Until recently, TSA displayed a lack of understanding of the uniqueness of the general aviation environment. H.R.2200 takes some major steps forward, with the authorization of a strong General Aviation Working Group and the establishment of a new grant program for security improvements to general aviation airports.”

A chorus of voices spoke on behalf of GA during the discussion of the bill, including other members of the newly formed caucus. An amendment to the bill reinforces that security directives-such as the controversial SD-8F, later clarified in SD-8G-should only be used to respond to emergencies and immediate threats, not as an alternative to the normal regulatory process.