Congress Introduces FASTER Act

On May 18, 2017, Representative Peter DeFazio introduced the “Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act”. The act would repeal subsection (i) of 49 U.S.C. 44940, which takes portions of passenger fees collected and deposits them into the general fund of the treasury. Lawmakers who back the FASTER Act argue that repealing this subsection would ensure greater funding for aviation security.

In FY2016, a total of $3.6 billion in aviation security fees were collected, but $1.25 billion were deposited into the general fund of the Treasury. In total, since 2013, $15 billion in passenger fees have been deposited into the general fund of the Treasury to fund other federal priorities. According to lawmakers, this “diversion” of passenger fees has undercut funding for the Transportation Security Administration which results in personnel shortages and long wait lines.

The introduction of the FASTER Act is viewed positively by airport executives nationwide. Airlines for America President and CEO, Nicholas E. Calio, has called the practice of diverting passenger fees to fund non-aviation security initiatives as “disingenuous” and “wrong”. “The traveling public expects that when they spend money on a fee to cover their airport security screening, that’s where their money is going,” he said. Additionally, Airports Council International-North America President and CEO Kevin M. Burke states “Airports welcome the introduction of the FASTER Act” which he hopes will help ensure “TSA has the resources it needs to operate more effectively and efficiently.”

For more information on the FASTER Act, please read the press release from the Office of Congressman Peter DeFazio.

More Posts

Ships, Semi truck and airplane displaying Import Export labels

WITA 5th Annual International Trade Conference

The International Trade Conference highlighted the importance of private sector engagement and support of innovation in the global system of trade. Recognizing the growing role of trade in addressing critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, businesses and governments must lean on collaboration to prioritize social responsibility just as much as economic growth.

List of CTPAT Member Benefits

Managing CTPAT | For New Compliance Managers

A CTPAT manager’s role is to help ensure a company complies with all applicable CTPAT requirements, including security measures like access controls and physical security where goods are stored or processed before being shipped out.

iPad displaying ctpat validation processes

CTPAT Validations | What To Expect

Be sure to check with your Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) to determine if your validation will be in person or virtually this year, as each format brings its own types of challenges. During a CTPAT validation, your SCSS will examine your company’s processes and evidence of implementation for compliance in areas such as commitment of upper management to promoting a culture of security

Coworkers collaborating at a meeting

Driving Company-Wide CTPAT Awareness

For most companies, the 12 Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) sections touch various departments, so making compliance a team effort is vital. The first step is to ensure that all key employees are aware of CTPAT requirements by having them participate in compliance efforts on a regular basis.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.