(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Corrine Brown voted in strong support of HR 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization bill.  The bill, which authorizes $7.6 billion for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in FY 2010 and $8.1 billion in FY 2011, which triples the amount of funding available for surface transportation security compared to the current funding level.  

Three key areas of the bill include 1.  Surface transportation security enhancements, which triples the FY 2009 funding for surface transportation security; 2.  Airport security and screening enhancements, which will direct the TSA to develop a strategic, risk-based plan to enhance security of airport perimeter access controls; 3. Security training and performance enhancements, which would direct the TSA to establish an oversight program for carrier-provided security training for flight attendants and crews, and 4. Canine detection Resources, which would increase the number of TSA-certified explosive detection canine teams deployed to protect surface transportation assets to 200 teams by the end of FY 2011.

"I am more than pleased to support this important piece of legislation, which is badly needed to better defend our homeland.  I am  particularly pleased to see that the Castor amendment, which 'directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to prohibit states from requiring separate security background checks for transportation security cards, and waives application of the prohibition if a compelling homeland security reason necessitates a separate background check.' I have been a staunch advocate for this provision, and strongly believe it is time that workers, many of whom have already received a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential), should not have to be subjected to additional and/or duplicate security checks merely to enter an area port or  maritime vessel, something which unfortunately happens quite frequently in the state of Florida," said Congresswoman Brown.}

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