Date: 2015-02-10
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of H. R. 720. The Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2015. which improves intergovernmental planning and communication during security incidents at domestic airports. As a former chair and ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee Transportation Security Subcommittee. I understand how important this bill will be in enhancing safety and protection in the air transit industry. not just for our citizens but for our Transportation Security Officers working in the line of duty. This legislation. which requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to devote more resources for planning and communication during and in case of threats or emergencies. is prompted by the tragic death of Gerardo I. Hernandez. a Transportation Security Officer who was killed in the line of duty at Los Angeles International Airport on November 1. 2013. At just 39 years old. Gerardo Hernandez was the first TSA officer to lose his life in the line of duty in the 12 year history of the agency. He died from several gunshot wounds inflicted by an assailant while on duty at the Los Angeles International Airport Gerardo Hernandez was among those thousands of TSA employs carrying out their mission to keep the airways safe for traveling citizens. and their work across the nation cannot be understated. Seven victims were treated at the scene of the attack and three victims who were wounded by gunfire. including two TSA officers. identified as 54yearold James Speer and 36yearold Tony Grigsby needed hospital treatment. On average. TSA officers screen 1.7 million air passengers at more than 450 airports across the nation. which averaged over 637.5 million passengers in 2012. H.R. 720 will help ensure that all screening personnel have received training in how to handle potential shooting threats. The bill also requires TSA to verify that all airports have plans in place to respond to any security threats. and provide technical assistance as necessary to improve those plans. The bill also directs the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Office of Cybersecurity and Communication to report to Congress the capacity of law enforcement. fire. and medical response teams communication and response to security threats at airports. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the implementation of H.R. 720 would cost about $2.5 million in 2015. Of the $2.5 million. an estimated $1.5 million would serve to provide additional technical assistance to airports. and the remaining $1 million would be used to evaluate the interoperability of communication systems used by emergency response teams. Mr. Speaker. it has been almost 14 years since our country suffered the tragedy of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We will never forget how that day changed our lives. and the lives of every American generation to follow. Security measures in airports across the country have been enhanced dramatically. and the resulting inconvenience is a small price to pay for the protective measures needed to keep the travelling public safe. It is people like Gerardo Hernandez who do their best to make the necessary screening as least intrusive and burdensome as possible. consistent with the mission of ensuring the security of all members of the flying public. TSA officers willingly risk their lives to make sure the job gets done. and for that we owe these men and women a debt of gratitude. In honor of Gerardo Hernandezs contribution to his country. I strongly support this bill and urge all my colleagues to join me in voting for its passage.