KATKO LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE AIRPORT SECURITY PASSES BOTH HOUSES, HEADS TO PRESIDENT’S DESK FOR SIGNATURE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), has passed both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and has been sent to the President for signature. 

This legislation is named in honor of Gerardo Hernandez, a TSA agent who tragically lost his life in the November 2013 shooting at Los Angeles International Airport.  Transportation Security Officer Hernandez was shot and killed by an active shooter, becoming the first TSA employee to be killed in the line of duty.  Two other Transportation Security Officers and a passenger were also injured during the attack.

Since taking office in January, Rep. Katko has focused on fighting through Washington gridlock to deliver bipartisan legislative outcomes.  As Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Transportation Security subcommittee, Representative Katko held six hearings to date, the most of any subcommittee on the Committee on Homeland Security.  He has worked in a bipartisan manner to lead the Committee’s effort to address gaps in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) employee access screening and vetting procedures, and as a result, has put forth legislation prioritizing the safety of travel for all Americans. 

“The tragic shooting at LAX in 2013 is a reminder that there is still much work to be done to enhance security measures at our domestic airports, especially when it comes to coordinating our local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts in responding to these incidents,” said U.S. Rep. John Katko.  “This legislation makes important strides in enhancing preparedness to mitigate threats in our nation’s airports.”

The legislation addresses gaps in security at domestic airports by requiring enhanced security and communication at airports nationwide.  Specifically, it requires TSA to verify that all airports and high-risk surface transportation hubs have an appropriate security response plan in place to effectively train for and respond to security incidents when they occur.  Further, it will ensure that emergency communications equipment is regularly tested and that emergency first-responders are able to communicate with each other and the public during a major security incident. 

“Developing preparedness in our airports will go a long way in helping to ensure that the traveling public is kept safe.  Improving the response to threats to public safety will allow our nation’s transportation systems to overcome the challenges that were experienced by law enforcement, emergency first responders, TSA, and the public during the LAX shooting.” concluded Katko.

Click here for video of Rep. Katko’s remarks on this legislation on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congressman John Katko chairs the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation Security.   He represents the 24thCongressional District of New York, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties, and a portion of Oswego County.  For more information, please visit Katko.house.gov or facebook.com/RepJohnKatko.

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