A bipartisan delegation led by Rep. John Katko (R-NY), chairman of the House Homeland Security’s Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee, continued their visitation this week at last point of departure airports in Jordan and Germany.
The delegation toured the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, and Frankfurt International Airport in Frankfurt, Germany.
“Terrorists remain intent on taking down aircraft,” Katko said. “We must continue to stay ahead of the evolving and persistent threat to the global aviation sector—starting with enhanced coordination and collaboration with foreign partners.”
Katko said that the delegation was able to see firsthand the impact of security measures and procedures, such as his provision in Public Law 114-190, The FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, that have been implemented at the two airports. P.L. 114-90 authorized the Transportation Security Administration to donate U.S. passenger screening equipment to foreign countries, including Jordan.
In addition to touring Frankfurt International Airport, the delegation toured Lufthansa headquarters, meeting with officials at the U.S. Consulate to discuss and examine current aviation security threats and the countermeasures German officials have in place to screen passengers as well as aviation personnel. German officials also spoke with Katko and the delegation on the lingering Brexit impact on European air travel.
Queen Alia International Airport is Jordan’s largest airport. While in Jordan, Katko and the rest of the delegation met with His Royal Highness Prince Faisal and were briefed at the Joint Training Center in Zarqa, which is used for training Border Guard Forces. The group discussed the strategic and operational coordination between Jordan and the United States for such issues as defeating ISIS and the continued refugee crisis, which was also discussed in Germany.
“As for the refugee issue, it is clear that it continues to be a focal point of concern within Jordan and the European Union, especially now that the ISIS caliphate is disintegrating and reports indicate that ISIS soldiers are attempting to infiltrate the Middle East and Western Europe through the refugee process,” Katko said.