(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing to examine the aviation security-related research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Subcommittee Members stated the importance of basic and applied research to develop new security technologies that detect potential threats while reducing the prevalence of false alarms. Effective security technologies ensure safety while reducing inconveniences for screeners and passengers and protecting privacy.
"Since 2001, aviation security has vastly improved. There are new policies in place to help protect passengers and aircraft, and aviation security professionals are better trained to detect dangerous items. Of course, technology plays a critical role. Significant advances in aviation security technologies have led to screening equipment that is faster and more reliable than the last generation, allowing Transportation Security Administration screeners to process passengers and baggage efficiently while still keeping prohibited items off planes," said Subcommittee Chairman David Wu (D-OR). "However, improvements still need to be made."
In 2001, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established to act as a centralized federal authority to manage transportation security efforts in the United States. TSA’s mission is supported by the RDT&E activities of the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) in Atlantic City, N.J. In FY06, TSL became a part of the DHS’s Directorate for Science and Technology. TSL has expertise in testing and evaluating explosives detection and other screening equipment, and certifies privately developed technologies for use by TSA. In a 2007 report on airport security failures discovered by undercover investigators, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended a strong investment in innovative technologies to support TSA’s security mission.
"Rigorous testing and evaluation are a crucial step toward ensuring that new technologies meet TSA’s technical needs. Currently, TSA works closely with the laboratory to develop test protocols and define criteria for success. But the security failures discovered by GAO and others illustrate the need to constantly update tests to ensure that technologies can deal with emerging threats. Technologies deployed before they are truly ready cement the perception that aviation security is nothing but theater," stated Wu.
Members questioned witnesses on the implementation of aviation security systems and employee training. Due to the variety of airport designs, locations, and capacities, TSA cannot establish a standard security checkpoint system that would work for every airport. Also, the continuous technological advancements needed to combat potential aviation threats require regular training sessions to ensure airport employees are effectively using these technologies.
"We often forget that a technology is only as successful as the person operating it. This is especially true in the aviation security sector, where screeners must determine whether objects identified by screening technologies are truly dangerous," added Wu. "Additionally, passengers also play a key role in any technology’s performance and success. If passengers find screening technologies too cumbersome or too intrusive, the consequences can ripple across the entire aviation sector. TSL and TSA must work together to ensure that human factors are taken into consideration beginning in the first stages of technology development."
"Dr. Hallowell has said in the past that she envisions a checkpoint of the future where no one has to empty their pockets, take off their shoes, or try to fit their toothpaste and deodorant into a tiny plastic bag in order to get on an airplane. The Committee applauds that goal, and I want to work with TSL and the TSA to ensure that next generation aviation security technologies are effective and efficient while meeting the needs of all screeners and passengers," said Wu.
For more information on this hearing or to access witness testimony, visit the Committee’s website.
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