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Lawmakers propose restructuring TSA

From Mike M. Ahlers
CNN

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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Four years after it was created, the Transportation Security Administration should be reorganized to become more business-like, with incentives to managers who reach security goals, a greater focus on customer service, and more use of technology, according to several Republican House members.

Rep. Dan Lungren, R-California, introduced the TSA Reorganization Act of 2005 on Wednesday, saying changes are needed to increase accountability and reduce passenger frustrations.

"I happen to believe we have seen improvement at TSA, but much more needs to be done," Lungren said.

The bill would create within the TSA an Airport Screening Organization headed by a chief operating officer, who would develop a five-year strategic plan and be eligible for a bonus for meeting TSA goals.

The bill would also do the following:

Provide incentives for airports to save money by providing their own screening services. Five airports -- including San Francisco International -- now use private screeners who are supervised by the TSA. Airports that save money by screening passengers themselves or by hiring private vendors could invest 90 percent of their savings in airport security technology.

Establish a pilot program to screen international travelers before they board planes flying to the United States. Currently, passengers in some countries are screened after the planes depart.

Establish industry-led advisory councils for each mode of transportation to provide advice to the TSA.

Lungren said his bill is "not an anti-TSA employee document."

"I want to make that clear. What I'm trying to do is to allow the airports to make the decision, and to provide in there the mechanisms that drag down the costs, increase the savings, and (increase) technology as soon as possible."

Lungren said he is pleased with new TSA chief Edmund "Kip" Hawley and "with the direction he is going."

"What we are trying to do is build on some of what I consider to be appropriate and responsible changes that he has made and push it as strongly as we possibly can," Lungren said.

Lungren's bill has the support of Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Washington, Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Rep. Katherine Harris, R-Florida.

A Democratic staffer said Democratic members are reviewing the bill.

Lungren said he supports Hawley's recent decision to allow passengers to carry on board small scissors and tools so security workers can focus on detecting bombs.

"I happen to think it's a responsible recognition of the best use of resources," he said.

By relaxing the rules, Hawley has shown he can adjust to a changing threat picture, according to Lungren.

Some members of Congress have introduced legislation to keep small scissors and tools on the list of prohibited items, saying they still present a danger to aviation.

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