Notes

### Secure Transportation Act of 2024

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#### 117th CONGRESS
##### 2d Session

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**H. R. 7891**

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To enhance security across all modes of transportation to prevent terrorist threats, establish the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and for other purposes.

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**IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES**

*May 18, 2024*

Mr. [Sponsor’s Name] (for himself and [Co-Sponsors]) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

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#### A BILL

To enhance security across all modes of transportation to prevent terrorist threats, establish the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and for other purposes.

**Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,**

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### SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Secure Transportation Act of 2024”.

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### SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

**(a) Findings.** Congress finds the following:

1. The protection of the nation's transportation infrastructure is vital to national security.
2. Terrorist threats against transportation systems pose significant risks to public safety and economic stability.
3. Enhanced security measures are necessary to deter and prevent terrorist attacks across all modes of transportation.

**(b) Purpose.** The purpose of this Act is to establish comprehensive security measures across all modes of transportation, including aviation, rail, bus, and ferry services, to prevent terrorist threats and ensure the safety and security of the American people.

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### SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION.

**(a) Establishment.** There is hereby established within the Department of Transportation the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

1. **Mission.** The mission of the TSA shall be to protect the nation's transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce.

2. **Functions.** The TSA shall be responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of security policies and procedures for all modes of transportation, including aviation, rail, bus, and ferry services.

**(b) Leadership.** The TSA shall be headed by an Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

1. **Qualifications.** The Administrator shall possess expertise in transportation security and shall be qualified to lead the agency in its mission to protect the nation's transportation systems.

2. **Term.** The Administrator shall serve a term of five years, unless removed for cause by the President.

**(c) Oversight.** The TSA shall have authority over all aspects of transportation security, including the establishment of security standards, the deployment of security personnel and technology, and the enforcement of security measures.

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### SEC. 4. ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES.

**(a) Aviation Security.** The TSA shall continue to oversee security measures for commercial aviation, including passenger and baggage screening, and shall implement additional security measures as necessary to prevent terrorist threats.

1. **Advanced Screening Technology.** The TSA shall deploy advanced screening technology at all airports to enhance the detection of prohibited items and substances.

2. **Enhanced Training.** The TSA shall provide enhanced training for security personnel to improve their ability to detect and respond to security threats.

**(b) Rail, Bus, and Ferry Security.** The TSA shall extend its oversight to include rail, bus, and ferry services, and shall implement the following security measures:

1. **Mandatory Security Checkpoints.** Major rail stations shall be required to establish mandatory security checkpoints with passenger and baggage screening akin to airport security.

2. **CCTV Cameras and GPS Tracking.** All interstate buses shall be equipped with CCTV cameras, GPS tracking devices, and real-time monitoring systems to enhance security and facilitate rapid response to security incidents.

**(c) Port Security.** The TSA shall increase funding for port security and shall implement the following measures:

1. **Radiation Detection Systems.** Port facilities shall be equipped with radiation detection systems to prevent the smuggling of radioactive materials.

2. **Background Checks.** Mandatory background checks shall be required for all port employees to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas.

**(d) Emergency Communication System.** The TSA shall develop and deploy an interoperable emergency communication system for transportation hubs to ensure rapid coordination and communication during security incidents.

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### SEC. 5. FUNDING.

**(a) Authorization of Appropriations.** There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

1. **Allocation of Funds.** Funding shall be allocated to the TSA for the implementation of security measures across all modes of transportation, including aviation, rail, bus, ferry, and port security.

**(b) Use of Funds.** Appropriated funds shall be used for the hiring and training of security personnel, the deployment of security technology and infrastructure, and the development and implementation of security protocols and procedures.

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### SEC. 6. IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT.

**(a) Regulations.** The TSA shall promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this Act within 180 days of its enactment.

1. **Public Comment.** The TSA shall provide an opportunity for public comment on proposed regulations prior to their finalization.

**(b) Enforcement.** The TSA shall enforce compliance with the security measures established under this Act and shall have authority to impose penalties for non-compliance, including fines, suspension of operations, and other enforcement actions as deemed appropriate.

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### SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.

**(a) Definitions.** For purposes of this Act:

1. **Transportation Security Administration (TSA).** The term "Transportation Security Administration" means the agency established under section 3 of this Act.

2. **Interstate Buses.** The term "interstate buses" means buses that