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: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Target Audience
Population: individuals applying for or renewing TSA Security Threat Assessment programs
Estimated Size: 20000000
- The bill targets individuals interacting with the TSA Security Threat Assessment programs, including TSA PreCheck, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, and Hazardous Materials Endorsement.
- Streamlining the enrollment and renewal process suggests improvements for existing participants in these programs, which might reduce redundancy and costs for applicants.
- The changes are expected to attract new applicants owing to the easier process, thus extending the impact to potential future users of these TSA programs.
Reasoning
- This policy primarily impacts those interacting with TSA programs, such as TSA PreCheck, Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME).
- Considering that there are around 20 million potentially impacted individuals, this simulation assumes a diverse group in terms of occupation, location, and use of these programs.
- The budget indicates a moderate capacity to support the enrollment standardization, suggesting improvements will be tangible though not transformative.
- Given the variety of TSA-related programs, impacts might range from high for frequent flyers and transport workers to none for the general public.
- Urban areas with major transit hubs may see more policy effects due to higher concentrations of affected individuals.
Simulated Interviews
Airline Pilot (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This standardization really helps streamline my renewals for TSA PreCheck without multiple applications.
- It reduces application costs, which are a hassle every year.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Chemical Transport Driver (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlining renewals saves me time and paperwork, definitely a benefit.
- I'd appreciate reduced costs if this allows use of prior clearances.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Port Security Officer (Miami, FL)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it'll make TWIC renewals less of a hassle, but I'm more concerned with daily security challenges.
- It sounds useful but may not change my job much directly.
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 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It'd be nice to have a smoother enrollment process for PreCheck, especially for frequent work trips.
- Cost savings would be a plus, though it's not crucial for just one enrollment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired (Chicago, IL)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If I travel more, a unified system would make joining PreCheck enticing.
- I'm currently indifferent as I travel rarely.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Film Producer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate any reduction in the hassle involved in keeping my PreCheck valid.
- Using previous clearances for new enrollments sounds appealing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Freight Broker (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Modernizing these processes could save me and clients time.
- It's good to see some efficiencies being introduced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might consider enrolling in PreCheck before traveling, so a streamlined system would help.
- Currently, it's not relevant but useful for future considerations.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Dallas, TX)
Age: 49 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These changes might simplify handling multiple credentials.
- I hope consolidated assessments reduce delays and costs in my business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Denver, CO)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It doesn't affect my current situation, but I see the benefit for colleagues who travel more.
- Possibly advantageous if my job requires more travel in the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $14000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 5: $8000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $10000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
Key Considerations
- Enhanced security measures could promote greater trust in transportation processes, indirectly benefiting the economy.
- Initial setup and ongoing maintenance costs are critical constraints that must be considered.
- Potential resistance to change in user systems might affect short-term participation.