Legislation recently introduced in the Senate would expand TSA PreCheck enrollment for people in positions of public trust.
Positions of public trust include law enforcement officers and federal employees holding an active security clearance. These individuals have already passed an extensive background check. Under the legislation, they would not be required to undergo a second background check when applying for PreCheck.
The change would give the Transportation Security Administration more time to screen non-eligible applicants and would incentivize people in positions of public trust to participate in the program.
Active duty military personnel are automatically enrolled in PreCheck, and Department of Defense civilians can opt-in.
PreCheck costs $85 for five years and is available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Members use expedited lanes at select security checkpoints when flying.
The Secure Traveler Act was introduced by U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Thune (R-SD).
“If we can move passengers through TSA checkpoints faster, in an effective and secure way, the travel experience will be better and less stressful, and with shorter lines, it will be safer, too,” Thune said.
Peters and Thune are members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The committee has jurisdiction over the TSA.