WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) delivered the following statement at today’s hearing on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) FY 2009 budget.

“The public’s confidence in the safety and security of our transportation systems is vital to our social and economic well being. Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, there is no doubt that we have made significant progress in strengthening the security of our transportation network.

“Following the attacks, Congress moved quickly to create the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to better secure aviation, port, and surface transportation infrastructure. And as you are well aware, we have continued to refine our efforts through subsequent legislation since the initial creation of the TSA. 

“Just this past year the Commerce Committee was instrumental in the passage of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (9/11 Act). This legislation closes potential loopholes in our nation’s aviation security regime by making significant improvements in air and maritime cargo security, airline passenger explosives screening, and the oversight of foreign repair stations. 

“Additionally, the 9/11 Act dramatically expands and improves federal security efforts for the nation’s major surface transportation modes by authorizing new security assessments, grant programs, and security measures for passenger and freight railroads, trucks, intercity buses, and pipelines.

“While I am confident that the goals of the 9/11 Act will be accomplished, the TSA’s FY 2009 budget proposal raises a number of concerns in this regard. The Administration’s complete overhaul of the TSA budget structure makes it unclear whether the mandates in the 9/11 Act are receiving the proper resources for implementation, particularly with regard to improvements in surface transportation security. 

“It is also unclear why the Administration is asking to increase funding for baggage screening when they have been slow to embrace the provisions in the 9/11 Act for this activity and in fact have not fully utilized the resources already provided.

“We must ensure our nation remains vigilant in pursuing the security of our transportation systems and continues to adapt to evolving threats. It is critical that the Administration work collaboratively with this Committee and other stakeholders to avoid the management problems of the past, ensure the agency has sufficient resources, and move forward with implementing the provisions of the  9/11 Act in a quick and effective manner. I look forward to hearing how we can best accomplish these tasks.”