The House of Representatives advanced a trio of bills sponsored by Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee Republicans focused on air travel security, foreign manufactured drones and contract award transparency.
Committee Ranking Member Rep. John Katko (R-NY) introduced the One-Stop Pilot Program Act of 2021 (H.R. 4094). This bill allows international air travelers and carry-on baggage to continue on connecting flights domestically, without additional security re-screening, if the last point of departure airport has a commensurate level of screening to the United States.
The Unmanned Aerial Security Act (H.R. 4682), which was introduced by Vice Ranking Member Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS), prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from entering or renewing a contract for any unmanned aircraft systems manufactured by China or other adversaries.
Also, the DHS Contract Reporting Act of 2021 (H.R. 4363), introduced by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), establishes a public reporting requirement for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) covered contract awards.
“Homeland Security Republicans are committed to providing meaningful solutions to better protect our country from evolving threats around the world,” Katko said. “I’m grateful for my colleagues’ support of my One-Stop Security Pilot bill, which will raise global air travel security standards while increasing efficiency for passengers. In addition, I commend Vice Ranking Member Guest for his leadership on the Unmanned Aerial Security Act. We cannot risk our sensitive data falling into the hands of adversarial nations like China, and this effort takes necessary steps to mitigate that threat. Lastly, I congratulate Rep. Harshbarger on passing her first bill in the House. Her DHS Contract Reporting Act is an important step toward increasing transparency at the Department.”