House clears airport security bill

The House cleared legislation for President Obama’s signature on Wednesday that would enhance airports’ response plans for security incidents.

Lawmakers passed the bill by voice vote to ratify minor Senate changes after originally passing it in February by a vote of 411-1. It passed the Senate by unanimous consent last month.

The measure directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to verify that all U.S. airports and other surface transportation hubs with high security threats have established procedures for responding to security threats such as active shooters.

{mosads}Response plans would include scheduling regular communication equipment tests; communicating with travelers inside and outside the airport; and providing frontline employees with training.

The legislation is named after Gerardo Hernandez, a TSA employee who was shot and killed during a November 2013 shooting at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 

Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.), the bill’s author, cited the shooting incident last week at Union Station in Washington, D.C., just a few blocks from the Capitol, as another example of needing security plans at major transportation hubs.

“Developing this preparedness will go a long way in improving the response to threats to public safety, and will work to overcome the challenges experienced by law enforcement, emergency first responders, TSA and the public during the LAX shooting,” Katko said.