WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) this week to streamline airport screening procedures and boost tourism while maintaining safety standards.

The “No-Hassle Flying Act of 2012” will provide the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with the flexibility to waive re-screening requirements for checked baggage originating from an international preclearance airport with screening equipment that meets or exceeds U.S. standards.

The bill, which was introduced in September 2012, will help alleviate long re-entry lines, reduce the number of missed connections and prevent the diversion of security resources to a duplicative and unnecessary process.

“Travel and tourism are critical industries for our economy in Missouri and nationwide,” said Blunt. “This bill will encourage more visitors from abroad by streamlining the international baggage screening process while still maintaining the highest levels of security.”

“Requiring luggage to undergo the exact same screening process twice in one flight puts a burden on our international aviation security system and creates an unnecessary hassle for travelers,” said Klobuchar. “Today’s passage of this commonsense legislation marks an important step in helping the TSA ensure the security of luggage more efficiently and effectively while reducing delays for passengers.”

Blunt serves as Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion that oversees the U.S. tourism industry. Klobuchar serves as the Chairman of the Subcommittee. Both Senators lead the Senate Travel & Tourism Caucus.

# # #