Protecting our homeland from terrorists is one of the most important and difficult challenges facing our government today.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) already has the daunting task of monitoring security on commercial airliners which as the events of 9/11 prove pose a significant danger.  Asking the TSA to extend their mission too far would jeopardize TSA's ability to maintain security on commercial airlines. 

H.R. 5035 would unnecessarily force the TSA to extend security screening to private aviation.  Private aviation poses less threat because of the relatively small size and fuel capacity of these aircraft.  Extending security screening to these aircraft would also take TSA resources away from the more important task of screening commercial airliners.  I will oppose this legislation if it sees action in the House of Representatives.

As a member of the Appropriation Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue to support effective and responsible ways to protect our nation.