I am encouraged by the progress made on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program since the last Commerce Committee hearing on the subject a little under one year ago.  In January, a final rule was issued for the biometric smart card to be used in the TWIC program.  The Coast Guard is developing a process for expedited temporary clearance for newly hired port and vessel workers.  And stakeholders indicate that communication with the transportation security administration (TSA) has improved significantly.  There is room, however, for improvement. 

 

Over four years have passed since the first legislative mandate requiring the development of this program.  Most recently, the safe port act established a timeline for deployment of the program to begin at ten ports no later than July of this year.  I understand this statutory deadline, which was developed in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and TSA, will likely not be met.  The nation’s ability to secure our ports largely rests in part on our ability to timely verify the identity of port workers, and prevent unauthorized access to secure maritime areas. 

 

Absent this ability, port operations will remain at risk.  This program is a complex undertaking.  TSA, the Coast Guard and others endeavor to ensure secure port operations.  But congressional tolerance for further missed deadlines is waning.  I look forward to hearing from our witnesses their suggestions about how best to keep the program on track.