Rep. Katko Renews Effort to Resolve Errors within Trusted Traveler Programs, Keep Travelers Safe

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Ranking Member on the House Committee on Homeland Security, today reintroduced the Trusted Traveler Reconsideration and Restoration Act. This bill provides relief for individuals who have had their Trusted Traveler Program status erroneously revoked or suspended due to an error committed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Rep. Katko introduced this bipartisan bill alongside Elissa Slotkin (D, MI-8) and Bonnie Watson Colemnan (D, NJ-10).

Trusted Traveler Programs, such as TSA PreCheck, aim to ease the burden on travelers and security personnel by allowing pre-approved travelers to use expedited lanes at American airports and when crossing international borders. However, if the status of a Trusted Traveler enrollee is erroneously revoked or suspended, reinstatement in the program can be a costly and time-intensive process involving several federal agencies. For example, through no fault of their own, individuals may have their status revoked if they have the same name as a known or suspected terrorist. And under current DHS policy, victims are not eligible to recoup time lost under their plans.

Inspired by a Central New Yorker who had their Trusted Traveler status wrongly revoked due to a case of misidentification, Rep. Katko’s bill would provide relief in these instances by extending the traveler’s plan by the equivalent length of the delay. To prevent future errors, the bill also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine DHS’s efforts to manage enrollment.

“Today I introduced the Trusted Traveler Reconsideration and Restoration Act, a bill that I introduced after hearing from a Central New Yorker who had their Trusted Traveler status erroneously revoked by the Department of Homeland Security,” said Rep. Katko. “My legislation provides relief to individuals who have fallen victim to these errors by extending their plan by the equivalent of the delay. It also takes steps to prevent future inaccuracies by examining Homeland Security’s efforts to effectively manage enrollment lists.”

He continued, “I have been a strong proponent of the Trusted Traveler programs because they make screening procedures more efficient for both pre-vetted travelers and security personnel while keeping our nation’s airports safe. However, as the lead Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, I recognize there’s more to be done to enhance these programs. I remain committed to making all necessary fixes.”

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