WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing today on international aviation screening standards.

Witness List:

Panel I

The Honorable David Heyman, Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Ms. Vicki Reeder, TSA Office of Global Strategies – International Operations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Mr. Stephen M. Lord, Director Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Government Accountability Office 

Panel II

Mr. Greg Principato, President, Airports Council International - North America

Key Quotations from Today’s Hearing:

“Significant steps have been taken to strengthen our air transportation security network in the United States. But recent threats to U.S. travelers have originated from aviation systems abroad. We must take appropriate action to close any aviation security loopholes. Aviation is global. A security breach in one location affects us all. We need to improve cooperation with our foreign partners. We also need buy-in from industry and partnerships to be effective. I remain hopeful that we are on the proper path to keep the aviation system safe in the international environment, but clearly that work is not yet complete. We need consistency from the world-wide security network without becoming rigid. By working together – government and private sector – our odds of success will greatly improve.”

Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV

“Today we heard about the work going on in this country and around the world to make sure that passengers and luggage are free of explosives and other terrorist devices. That work is enormously complicated and difficult, but the safety of the traveling public is at stake. It’s very important that we get this right. What we heard today tells us important progress is being made.”

Senator Byron L. Dorgan, Chairman, U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security 

“America’s security – and the threats to it – does not exist in a vacuum. Consequently, protective efforts must extend beyond our shores. America’s security relies in part on a robust international aviation security system, comprised of many layers and operated by many partners, across the globe. This system of collective security measures depends in part on the competency and capabilities of each individual partner. As such, maintaining effective standards and best practices is critical.”

The Honorable David Heyman, Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Ms. Vicki Reeder, TSA Office of Global Strategies – International Operations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

“In the wake of the December 2009 terrorist incident, DHS and TSA have strived to enhance ongoing efforts to harmonize international security standards and practices through increased global outreach, coordination of standards and practices, use of enhanced technology, and assessments of foreign airports…DHS and TSA have made progress in their efforts to enhance international aviation security through these harmonization efforts and related foreign airport assessments; however, a number of key challenges, many of which are beyond DHS’s control, exist.”

Mr. Stephen M. Lord, Director Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Government Accountability Office

“Although there are aspects of the current aviation security system that are effective, there are others which need to evolve to keep pace with the projected increase in the number of passengers and volume of cargo in the United States and abroad. Only through an effective partnership where government coordinates with industry to apply appropriate security measures can we ensure the long-term sustainability of the aviation system.”

Mr. Greg Principato, President, Airports Council International - North America

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