Bill Overview
Title: TSA Security Threat Assessment Application Modernization Act
Description: This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to standardize the enrollment and renewal system for individuals applying for or renewing multiple TSA Security Threat Assessment programs, including the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, Hazardous Materials Endorsement, and TSA PreCheck programs. The standardization shall permit an individual to (1) enroll at a TSA-designated universal enrollment center once and use the application for one of such programs to enroll in two or more of such programs,with specified exceptions for those applying for or renewing enrollment in more than one program at different times; (2) apply successful, valid clearance results from a TSA Security Threat Assessment to satisfy vetting requirements for participation in any related program without additional cost; and (3) undergo a streamlined and expeditious renewal process. Additionally, the TSA must publish on its website information relating to the standardization of the enrollment system.
Sponsors: Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals applying for or renewing TSA Security Threat Assessment credentials
Estimated Size: 5000000
- Individuals who work in professions that require them to have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) will be directly impacted as they will have easier access to these credentials.
- Individuals who frequently fly and use TSA PreCheck will benefit as their enrollment and renewal process will be simplified and more efficient.
- The streamlined process will save time and potentially reduce costs for these individuals as they can enroll once for multiple security programs.
- The bill affects anyone applying for or renewing TSA-related security credentials, making the process easier and more integrated.
Reasoning
- The target population includes 5 million individuals who require TSA-related security credentials, such as TWIC, HME, and TSA PreCheck. Around 3 million transportation workers and 1.8 million hazardous materials truck drivers are directly impacted, along with a significant number of TSA PreCheck users.
- With an annual budget of $30,000,000 and a decade budget of $180,000,000, the policy can provide updated systems benefitting credential applicants by centralizing applications and renewals, thus cutting down costs and time.
- The policy does not necessitate infrastructure changes that would exceed the designated budget, as it mainly focuses on operational efficiency improvements.
- In this simulation, a diverse range of individuals from the US, who would be directly affected, are interviewed to yield various perspectives.
- Some individuals may experience very little change in their overall wellbeing scores because their involvement with TSA credentials may not require frequent renewal or enrollment, thus reducing the immediate impact of this new bill.
Simulated Interviews
Truck Driver - Hazardous Materials (Houston, TX)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change will reduce hassle and save me from multiple trips to enrollment centers.
- I appreciate using my current clearance for multiple applications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Frequent Business Traveler (Chicago, IL)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlining renewal means less stress about missing it when traveling.
- Saves time which is precious due to my packed schedule.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Port Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Standardizing the process could save my anything from a loss of workdays.
- I'm excited about the easier renewal but wonder about any hidden costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Airport Security Staff (Miami, FL)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlined applications will assist us help travelers better.
- I may talk more people into using TSA programs now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Teacher (partner of transportation worker) (New York, NY)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy should make my spouse's certification less stressful and cumbersome.
- Indirect stress reduction for us as a family would be welcomed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Petroleum Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Consolidated renewal could reduce annual costs and time lost to paperwork.
- Improved efficiency would make planning future work trips easier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Self-Employed (Logistics) (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A single application process helps small business owners like me to manage better.
- I'm hoping costs for renewals are kept low.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Retiree (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This seems aimed more at frequent flyers and industry workers.
- Possibly good for planning family trips more efficiently, but won't impact us directly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Airline Pilot (Denver, CO)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlining PreCheck renewals will be a huge stress reliever.
- Should save time that can be spent on critical flight preparations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Student (Portland, OR)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy helps relieve fears about managing renewals amidst a busy school schedule.
- Should reduce the time and money spent on working logistics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $40000000)
Year 2: $25000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $35000000)
Year 3: $25000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $35000000)
Year 5: $25000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $35000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The integration of multiple TSA security clearance systems poses significant technical challenges that could impact timelines and costs.
- Public acceptance and ease of use will be critical for the success of this policy as it affects the user experience across various TSA programs.
- There may be security concerns regarding data integration from multiple programs, especially if cybersecurity measures are not robust.