The Transportation Security Administration Security Threat Assessment Application Modernization Act was introduced in Congress to streamline the certification process for drivers. The Act, introduced by Representatives Adam Smith (D-Washington) and John Katko (R-New York), will allow drivers to use a single valid background check from a TSA Security Threat Assessment to satisfy the vetting requirements for participation in any TSA program, including the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, Hazardous Materials Endorsement and PreCheck programs. This new legislation would require the TSA to create a more streamlined application and renewal process for workers applying for multiple credentials simultaneously. It would also require the TSA to lower the fees for those applying or renewing multiple credentials at the same time.
“Many transportation workers across the country are required by law to hold multiple TSA credentials, yet the application and renewal process for the credentials is not streamlined. I have heard from workers in my district who end up spending a significant amount of time and money to keep their credentials up to date – this process clearly needs to be fixed,” Smith said. “The bipartisan legislation introduced today will require TSA to make it easier and less costly for workers to maintain their credentials, taking some of the burden off our transportation workers who are critical to keeping our economy running.”
“We need to remove unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that burden our transportation workers from doing their important jobs. Our transportation sector is imperative to our economic recovery from the pandemic, and this legislation eliminates redundant and costly requirements,” Katko said.
The bill has the support of Katko’s home state Trucking Association of New York, as well as the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Teamsters, American Trucking Association, Washington Trucking Associations, American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association, Association of American Railroads, Border Trade Alliance, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and National Tank Truck Carriers.
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