WASHINGTON, DC – The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act of 2009.  The legislation is the first measure to pass the House that fully authorizes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) since its establishment in 2001.  The bill authorizes over $15.6 billion in appropriations to the TSA for FY 2010 and FY 2011.  Specifically, the bill triples funding for surface transportation security, greatly improves general and commercial aviation security, and strengthens security training for our transportation workforce.

Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the passage of the bill:

“This legislation is the result of months of bipartisan effort with significant contributions from stakeholders across the board.  TSA has made great strides since 2001, but still our transportation systems are not as secure as they need to be.  H.R. 2200 steers TSA on a course to becoming an effective agency that works to enhance security in all our transportation sectors, partners with key stakeholders, and does a better job of utilizing technology, such as biometrics, to address gaps in security.”

Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection and primary sponsor of the bill, issued the following statement:

“I applaud today’s swift passage of this vital legislation and I am proud of the bipartisan manner in which it was crafted.  This bill does a great deal to protect the people of the United States and the transportation systems at the foundation of our economy and society. Passage of this legislation is testament to our responsibility to keep the American people safe."

For more information, contact: DenaGraziano or Adam Corris Phone: 202.225.9978