Summary
Ends the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and transfers all airport security responsibilities to private companies.
What problem does this solve?
Some believe government-run airport security is inefficient and costly. This bill solves the problem by getting rid of the TSA and letting private companies manage airport screening to improve service and save money.
Who does this affect?
- Air travelers
- TSA employees
- Private security companies
What does this bill do?
Abolishes the TSA
Completely ends the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) three years after the bill becomes law.
Privatizes airport security
Transfers all airport security screening activities and equipment to qualified private companies.
Creates a new oversight office
Establishes an Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to regulate the private screening companies.
Requires a reorganization plan
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to create and submit a detailed plan to Congress for shutting down the TSA within 90 days.
Transfers other security duties
Moves security functions for surface transportation, like trains, buses, and pipelines, from the TSA to the Department of Transportation.
Bans warrantless searches by contractors
The reorganization plan cannot include any rules that force private security contractors to conduct searches and seizures without a warrant.
What is the real world impact?
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Reduces the size and power of the federal government
Aims to shrink the federal workforce by eliminating a large agency. This is based on the idea that private businesses can do the job more efficiently and with better customer service than the government.
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Could lead to weaker security standards
Critics worry that private companies might cut corners on security to increase profits. This could result in less consistent and potentially less effective screening from one airport to another, making air travel less safe.
When does this start?
The bill sets several deadlines, with the TSA being fully shut down three years after the bill becomes law.
TSA abolishment
The Transportation Security Administration will be officially abolished 3 years after the date the bill is signed into law.
Reorganization plan submission
The Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a plan to Congress for shutting down the TSA no later than 90 days after the bill becomes law.
Progress reports from the secretary
The Secretary must begin sending progress reports to Congress 60 days after the bill passes, and continue to send them every 30 days after that.
Government accountability office reports
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report to Congress on the progress of the shutdown every 180 days, starting 180 days after the bill passes.