Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2018

Bill: 115-hr-4176
Sponsor: Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
Introduced: 2017-10-31 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Aviation and airports
Computers and information technology
Congressional oversight
Customs enforcement
Department of Homeland Security
Executive agency funding and structure
Firearms and explosives
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Mammals
Service animals
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-31
text: 

Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2017

 

This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to: (1) establish an air cargo security office, (2) conduct a pilot program to test the use of screening equipment using computed tomography technology, (3) report to Congress on actions to improve the Certified Cargo Screening Program, (4) develop standards for the use of third-party explosives detection canines for the primary screening of air cargo, and (5) request a review and assessment of the known shipper program. 
 
The Government Accountability Office must review the TSA's screening processes and procedures for examining air cargo entering the United States and assess its risk-based strategy for examining such cargo. 
 
The bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide statutory authority for the air cargo advance screening program.

action_date: 2018-03-19
text:  

Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2018 

 
(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to: (1) establish an air cargo security division, (2) submit to Congress a feasibility study regarding the use of computed tomography technology for the screening of air cargo transported on passenger aircraft operated by air carrier or foreign air carrier in air transportation, interstate air transportation, or interstate air commerce; (3) initiate a two-year pilot program to achieve enhanced air cargo security screening outcomes through the use of new or emerging screening technologies, such as computed tomography technology; and (4) report to Congress on actions to improve the Certified Cargo Screening Program. 
 
(Sec. 5) The Government Accountability Office must review the TSA's screening processes and procedures for air cargo entering the United States and assess its risk-based strategy for examining such cargo.
 
(Sec. 6) The TSA must request the Air Cargo Subcommittee of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee to conduct a comprehensive review and security assessment of the known shipper program and recommend whether the program should be modified or eliminated in light of the full implementation of required 100% screening of air cargo carried on passenger aircraft.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-03-20
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2018-03-19
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2018-03-19
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1663-1664)
action_date: 2018-03-19
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H1663-1664)
action_date: 2018-03-19
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4176.
action_date: 2018-03-19
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1663-1665)
action_date: 2018-03-19
text: Mr. Estes (KS) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2018-03-19
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 461.
action_date: 2018-03-19
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 115-605.
action_date: 2018-03-19
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 115-605.
action_date: 2018-03-07
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2018-03-07
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2018-03-07
text: Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Security Discharged.
action_date: 2017-11-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Security.
action_date: 2017-10-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
action_date: 2017-10-31
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1467-1468)
action_date: 2017-10-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-10-31
text: Introduced in House