AAAE Requests Action on Aviation Worker Screening and Funding for TSA and CBP in Final FY24 DHS Spending Bill

December 11, 2023

As Congress works in the weeks ahead to finalize federal spending bills for FY24, including the DHS/TSA/CBP funding measure, AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli has weighed in with House and Senate leaders urging them to adopt airport priorities, including rescinding EDS requirements included in TSA's aviation worker screening national amendment. A copy of the letter to House leaders may be viewed here, and the letter to Senate leaders is here.   
 
In the letter, AAAE also requests funding to support more than 2,000 new Transportation Security Officers and 700 new Customs and Border Protection officers to process domestic and international travelers and their baggage effectively and efficiently. AAAE is also seeking funding for TSA's LEO reimbursable agreement program, the continuation of TSA staffing at airport exit lanes, and state and local-led canine teams that work in airports and other transportation locations, all items proposed for elimination by the administration. If these three proposals were adopted, it would amount to a $191 million-a-year cost shift to airport operators and law enforcement agencies that currently police the nation's airports.
 
Under the terms of the most recent continuing resolution approved by Congress, funding for DHS, TSA, and CBP expires on February 2, 2024.  As lawmakers continue to negotiate a top-line spending level for the federal government and work to finalize individual spending bills, we would appreciate your assistance in amplifying our message in opposition to the aviation worker screening requirements and the need to continue funding for these key TSA and CBP security items and personnel.  This outreach is especially important if your Representative or Senator is a member of the Appropriations Committee.