Main Menu

Bilirakis’ Air Travel Security Bill Passes Committee

Gus Bilirakis | U.S. House | Politics

The bill is designed to improve screening of passengers.

WASHINGTON, DC – A proposal by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Tarpon Springs, that is designed to improve the screening process of airplane passengers unanimously passed the Homeland Security Committee with bipartisan support.

The Security Assessment Feasibility for Equipment Testing and Evaluation of Capabilities for our Homeland stems from Bilirakis’ recent Congressional Delegation trip during which he had the opportunity to review screening procedures at major European 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, Bilirakis said.

Bilirakis’ proposal is designed to address this concern, and improve the safety of air travel for all passengers. Specifically, the legislation would provide an avenue for third party testing of innovative technology screening capabilities to enhance airport security. It would 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.

“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 am convinced this is something that needs to be immediately rectified, and I am pleased this important bill is moving expeditiously through the legislative process.”

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.

Gus Bilirakis | Air Travel Security | Politics | Tampabay News

#GusBilirakis #AirTravelSecurity #Politics #TampabayNews