Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (GA-01) introduced the TSA Screening Transparency and Accountability Act to analyze the cost effectiveness, efficiency, and customer satisfaction of the Screening Partnership Program (SPP) compared to airport screening through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). SPP allows for privatized passenger screening where airports can opt-out of TSA screening by contracting with a company to provide passenger and baggage screening commensurate with TSA standards and under the oversight of the federal government. 

Currently, 21 airports utilize SPP and additional airports have applications pending. However, on January 28, 2016, then-TSA Administrator John Pistole announced that SPP would no longer expand to additional airports. 

"Airports that utilize the SPP have seen improved customer experiences, shorter wait lines, better communication with local officials and an overall more efficient process with screening passengers," said Carter. "The action taken by the TSA to freeze the growth of the program is shortsighted and without explanation. Private security screeners, under the oversight of the TSA, have provided secure and efficient security methods. If airports want the flexibility to use private security screeners to improve their customer service, the government should encourage this effort."

Specifically, the TSA Screening Transparency and Accountability Act:

• Requires the TSA to update its cost estimating methodology for federal cost estimates and cost comparisons as it relates to the SPP;
• Requires the TSA to develop a single, streamlined method and standard protocol for documenting and tracking customer complaints for both federal and SPP airport checkpoints within 180 days of enactment;
• Requires TSA to establish a process for analyzing information on complaint trends from all screening complaint mechanisms, including a comparison between federal screener complaints and private screener complaints;
• Requires TSA to use data analysis to better inform the traveling public about the nature and extent of screening complaints, and;
• Strengthens information sharing between TSA and airport directors and managers, which would help identify areas in need of improvement with screening.
  

"The TSA plays a critical role in the security of Americans," said Carter. "Unfortunately, TSA is failing this mission while also prohibiting competition that could deliver better security and lower costs. This legislation works to ensure Americans receive the best and most cost effective security possible."

Click here to view the text of the TSA Screening Transparency and Accountability Act.