The proposal is designed to cure inconsistencies in safety and operating procedures at airports.

WASHINGTON, DC – The Security Assessment Feasibility for Equipment Testing and Evaluation of Capabilities for our Homeland sponsored by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Tarpon Springs, unanimously passed the House of Representatives with bi-partisan support, just 41 days after its initial introduction.

The legislation stems from Bilirakis’ Congressional Delegation trip during which he had the opportunity to review screening procedures at major European Union hubs like Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Frankfurt, Germany, for inbound travel to the U.S.

Technical standards for safety and operating procedures at international airports are set by international agreements. The standards set are generally broad; leaving vulnerabilities through inconsistencies with international partners. This bill will address this concern, and improve the safety of air travel for all passengers. Specifically, this legislation will provide an avenue for third party testing of innovative technology screening capabilities to enhance airport security. It will also assess the feasibility of linking compatible security technology utilized by the U.S. and international allies in order to augment screening check points. This coordinated collaboration is an essential element of strengthening global security. To view a copy of the Congressman speaking on the floor about this bill, click here.

“I have always contended that if we are not safe, then nothing else matters,” Bilirakis said. “During my recent fact finding mission, I was startled by the lack of consistency in international standards and gaps in technology that support precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety. I was convinced that this issue needed to be immediately rectified, and worked hard to ensure my bill to fix the problem advanced through the legislative process as quickly as possible.  I am elated that my colleagues joined me in making it one of the first legislative priorities of the new year. Our action today will make air travel safer for everyone entering the U.S.”

Bilirakis represents Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes all of Pasco and northern parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

For information about Bilirakis, go to bilirakis.house.gov.

Photo is screen capture from video of Bilirakis speaking about his air travel safety proposal.

Gus Bilirakis | Air Travel | Air Safety | Politics | Tampabay News

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