,,ii #aadth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #ccgi ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,september #ba1 #bjaf ,mr4 ,thune 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,nelson1 ,mrs4 ,fischer1 and ,mr4 ,booker7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to improve surface transportation and maritime security4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,surface ,transportation and ,maritime ,security ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #c4 ,surface transportation and maritime threat assessment and implementation of risk-based strategy4 ,sec4 #d4 ,risk-based budgeting and resource allocation4 ,sec4 #e4 ,surface transportation and maritime security management review4 ,sec4 #f4 ,transparency4 ,sec4 #g4 ,,tsa counterterrorism asset deployment4 ,sec4 #h4 ,surface ,transportation and ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee4 ,sec4 #i4 ,review of ,explosives ,detection ,canine ,team ,program4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,explosive detection technology4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,expansion of ,national ,explosives ,detection ,canine ,team ,program4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,study on security standards and practices for mass transit and passenger rail4 ,sec4 #ac4 ,rail security services4 ,sec4 #ad4 ,systemwide ,amtrak security upgrades4 ,sec4 #ae4 ,passenger rail vetting4 ,sec4 #af4 ,surface transportation inspectors4 ,sec4 #ag4 ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential improvements and assessment4 ,sec4 #ah4 ,military priority for ,,twic applications4 ,sec4 #ai4 ,voluntary adoption of ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential4 ,sec4 #bj4 ,cargo container scanning technology review4 ,sec4 #ba4 ,background records checks for issuance of hazmat licenses4 ,sec4 #bb4 ,repeal of biennial reporting requirement for the ,government ,accountability ,office relating to the ,transportation ,security ,information sharing plan4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,transportation ,security ,administration4 7#b7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7#c7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 #c4 ,surface transportation and maritime threat assessment and implementation of risk-based strategy 7a7 ,threat assessment ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall complete an assessment of the threats posed to surface transportation and maritime systems4 7b7 ,considerations ,in conducting the assessment under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall consider-- 7#a7 appropriate intelligence2 7#b7 security breaches and attacks at domestic and international transportation facilities2 7#c7 the vulnerabilities associated with specific modes of transportation2 7#d7 current and prospective allocation of agency and stakeholder resources to mitigate threats2 7#e7 the systems and practices designed to mitigate the vulnerabilities identified in paragraph 7#c72 and 7#f7 the vetting and security training of-- 7,a7 frontline employees in surface transportation and maritime systems2 and 7,b7 other individuals with access to sensitive or secure areas of transportation networks4 7c7 ,implementation of risk-,based strategy ,using the results of the assessment completed under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 develop and implement a cross-cutting1 risk-based security strategy that-- 7,a7 encompasses all transportation modes2 and 7,b7 establishes priorities1 milestones1 and performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of the strategy2 7#b7 identify the objectives of1 and evaluate the efficacy of1 existing surface transportation and maritime security programs1 policies1 and initiatives2 7#c7 identify any additional risk-based programs that the ,administrator considers necessary to address the threats and vulnerabilities identified in the assessment2 7#d7 determine the extent to which stakeholder security programs address the threats and vulnerabilities identified in the assessment1 including any security vulnerabilities in existing programs2 7#e7 provide guidelines for aligning resources with risk2 7#f7 develop planning processes to inform resource allocation2 7#g7 review current practices1 including specific processes1 for sharing relevant and timely intelligence threat information with appropriate stakeholders2 7#h7 in consultation with the ,secretary1 the ,secretary of ,transportation1 and the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard1 adjust and update1 as appropriate1 the ,national ,infrastructure ,protection ,plan1 the modal annexes to such plan1 and the ,department's surface transportation and maritime security programs1 policies1 and initiatives2 7#i7 modify the risk-based priorities and resource allocation1 in accordance with section #d7;c71 for the ,transportation ,security ,administration2 and 7#aj7 develop a management oversight strategy that identifies the parties responsible for the implementation1 management1 and oversight of the security strategy under paragraph 7#a74 7d7 ,reports to ,congress 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the completion of the assessment under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives that-- 7,a7 describes the findings of the assessment2 7,b7 includes a plan for implementing the security strategy2 and 7,c7 includes the management oversight strategy under subsection 7c77#aj74 7#b7 ,updates ,the ,administrator shall provide periodic updates to the report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 that describe the surface transportation and maritime threat environment1 based on new information obtained by the ,administrator4 7e7 ,threat updates ,not less frequently than semiannually1 the ,administrator shall report to or brief the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives regarding threats to surface transportation and maritime security4 #d4 ,risk-based budgeting and resource allocation 7a7 ,report ,in conjunction with the submission of the ,department's annual budget request to the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 the ,administrator shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives that describes a risk-based resource allocation plan for the surface transportation and maritime sectors within and across modes that-- 7#a7 reflects the risk-based priorities identified under section #c7;c72 and 7#b7 is organized by appropriations account1 program1 project1 and initiative4 7b7 ,budget transparency ,in submitting the annual budget of the ,united ,states ,government under section #aaje of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,president shall clearly distinguish the resources requested for surface transportation and maritime security from the resources requested for aviation security4 7c7 ,resource reallocation 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ae days after the date on which the ,administration allocates any resources or personnel1 including personnel sharing1 detailing1 or assignment1 or the use of facilities1 technology systems1 or vetting resources1 for a nontransportation security purpose or event1 the ,secretary shall provide the notification described in paragraph 7#b7 to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#b7 ,notification ,a notification described in this paragraph shall include-- 7,a7 the reason for and a justification of the resource or personnel allocation2 7,b7 the expected end date of the resource or personnel allocation2 and 7,c7 the projected cost to the agency of the personnel or resource allocation4 #e4 ,surface transportation and maritime security management review 7a7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit a report to ,congress on the staffing1 resource and personnel allocation1 oversight strategy1 and management of the ,transportation ,security ,administration's surface transportation and maritime security programs4 7b7 ,contents ,the report required under subsection 7a7 shall include information on the coordination between the ,transportation ,security ,administration1 other ,federal agencies1 and relevant stakeholders4 7c7 ,considerations ,the report required under subsection 7a7 shall review the coordination of leadership1 planning1 policy1 and implementation of security programs relating to surface transportation and maritime security4 #f4 ,transparency 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter until final rules have been issued for all of the requirements described in paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c71 the ,administrator shall publish on a public website information regarding the status of-- 7#a7 regulations required under titles ,,xiii1 ,,xiv1 and ,,xv of the ,implementing ,recommendations of the #i_/aa ,commission ,act of #bjjg 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aaaa et seq47 and under this ,act that have not been fully implemented or for which no interim final rule or direct final rule has been issued2 7#b7 regulations relating to surface transportation security 7other than a regulation described under paragraph 7#a77 that was required by law to be issued at least #b years before the initial date of publication under this subsection1 but has not been issued2 and 7#c7 other transportation security rulemakings categorized as significant4 7b7 ,contents ,the information published under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 a description of the work plan for each outstanding regulation2 7#b7 an updated rulemaking schedule for each outstanding regulation2 7#c7 current staff allocations2 7#d7 current data collection or research relating to the development of the rulemaking2 7#e7 current collaborative efforts1 if any1 with security experts1 advisory committees1 and other stakeholders2 7#f7 identified resource constraints impacting the rulemaking process for the outstanding regulation2 and 7#g7 other relevant details associated with the development of the rulemaking that impact the progress of the rulemaking4 7c7 ,inspector ,general review ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and every #b years thereafter until all of the requirements under titles ,,xiii1 ,,xiv1 and ,,xv of the ,implementing ,recommendations of the #i_/aa ,commission ,act of #bjjg 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aaaa et seq47 and under this ,act have been fully implemented1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,department shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives that-- 7#a7 identifies the requirements under such titles and under this ,act that have not been fully implemented2 7#b7 considers whether additional regulatory action is necessary2 and 7#c7 recommends any regulatory requirements that should be modified or repealed4 #g4 ,,tsa counterterrorism asset deployment 7a7 ,in general ,if the ,transportation ,security ,administration deploys any counterterrorism personnel or resource1 such as explosive detection sweeps1 random bag inspections1 or patrols by ,visible ,intermodal ,protection and ,response teams1 to enhance security at a transportation system or transportation facility for a period of not less than #ahj days1 the ,administrator shall provide sufficient notification to the system operator not less than #ad days prior to terminating the deployment4 7b7 ,sufficient notifications ,in determining whether notification under subsection 7a7 is sufficient1 the ,administrator shall consider whether the transportation system1 transportation facility1 or operator thereof has sufficient resources to replace the asset and maintain an appropriate level of security4 7c7 ,exception ,this section shall not apply if-- 7#a7 the ,administrator determines there is an urgent security need for the personnel or resource described in subsection 7a72 and 7#b7 notifies the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives4 #h4 ,surface ,transportation and ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iv of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #djd4 ,surface ,transportation and ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator of the ,transportation ,security ,administration 7referred to in this section as ,administrator7 shall establish within the ,transportation ,security ,administration the ,surface ,transportation and ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as ,advisory ,committee74 7b7 ,duties 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 while adhering to appropriate security guidelines1 shall consult with the ,advisory ,committee1 as appropriate1 on surface transportation and maritime security matters1 including the development1 refinement1 and implementation of policies1 programs1 initiatives1 rulemakings1 and security directives pertaining to surface transportation and maritime security4 7#b7 ,recommendations ,the ,advisory ,committee shall develop recommendations for improvements to surface transportation and maritime security4 7#c7 ,periodic reports ,the ,advisory ,committee shall periodically submit reports to the ,administrator on matters requested by the ,administrator or by a majority of the members of the ,advisory ,committee4 7#d7 ,annual report 7,a7 ,submission ,the ,advisory ,committee shall submit an annual report to the ,administrator1 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives that provides information on the activities1 findings1 and recommendations of the ,advisory ,committee during the preceding year4 7,b7 ,publication ,not later than #f months after each date on which the ,administrator receives an annual report under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,administrator shall publish a public version of the report1 in accordance with section #eeb;b of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#e7 ,feedback ,not later than #ij days after the date on which the ,administrator receives recommendations from the ,advisory ,committee under paragraph 7#d77;,a71 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,advisory ,committee-- 7,a7 written feedback about each of the recommendations2 7,b7 an action plan to implement those recommendations with which the ,administrator concurs2 and 7,c7 a justification for each recommendation the ,administrator rejects4 7#f7 ,congressional notification ,not later than #cj days after providing written feedback to the ,advisory ,committee under paragraph 7#e71 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 notify the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives of such feedback2 and 7,b7 provide such committees with a briefing upon request4 7#g7 ,updates to ,congress ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of the ,surface ,transportation and ,maritime ,security ,act1 and quarterly thereafter until a recommendation is closed1 the ,administrator shall submit a report to ,congress or post on a public website an update on the status of recommendations included in the report under paragraph 7#d74 7#h7 ,website ,the ,administrator shall maintain a public website that-- 7,a7 lists the members of the ,advisory ,committee2 7,b7 provides the contact information for the ,advisory ,committee2 and 7,c7 provides minutes of meetings1 recommendations1 and other relevant documents1 as appropriate4 7c7 ,membership 7#a7 ,composition ,the ,advisory ,committee shall be composed of-- 7,a7 voting members appointed by the ,administrator under paragraph 7#b72 and 7,b7 nonvoting members1 serving in an advisory capacity1 who shall be designated by-- 7i7 the ,transportation ,security ,administration2 7ii7 the ,department of ,transportation2 7iii7 the ,coast ,guard2 and 7iv7 such other ,federal department or agency with regulatory authority over a mode of surface transportation or maritime as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,appointment ,the ,administrator shall appoint voting members from among stakeholders representing passenger rail1 freight rail1 mass transit1 pipelines1 highways1 over-the-road bus and trucking1 and port and maritime industries1 including representatives from-- 7,a7 associations representing such surface transportation or maritime modes2 7,b7 labor organizations representing such surface transportation or maritime modes2 7,c7 groups representing the users of such surface transportation or maritime modes1 including shippers and asset manufacturers1 as appropriate2 7,d7 relevant law enforcement1 first responders1 and security experts2 and 7,e7 such other groups as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,term of office 7,a7 ,terms 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each voting member of the ,advisory ,committee shall be #b years1 but a voting member may continue to serve until the ,administrator appoints a successor4 7ii7 ,reappointment ,a voting member of the ,advisory ,committee may be reappointed4 7,b7 ,removal ,the ,administrator may review the participation of a member of the ,advisory ,committee and remove such member for cause at any time4 7#d7 ,prohibition on compensation ,the members of the ,advisory ,committee shall not receive any compensation from the ,government by reason of their service on the ,advisory ,committee4 7#e7 ,meetings 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall require the ,advisory ,committee to meet at least semiannually in person or through ,web conferencing and may convene additional meetings as necessary4 7,b7 ,public meetings ,at least one of the meetings of the ,advisory ,committee each year shall be-- 7i7 announced in the ,federal ,register2 7ii7 announced on a public website2 and 7iii7 open to the public4 7,c7 ,attendance ,the ,advisory ,committee shall maintain a record of the persons present at each meeting4 7,d7 ,minutes 7i7 ,in general ,unless otherwise prohibited by other ,federal law1 minutes of the meetings shall be published on the public website required under subsection 7b77#h74 7ii7 ,protection of classified and sensitive information ,the ,advisory ,committee may redact or summarize1 as necessary1 minutes of the meetings to protect classified or other sensitive information in accordance with law4 7#f7 ,voting member access to classified and sensitive security information 7,a7 ,determinations ,not later than #fj days after the date on which a voting member is appointed to the ,advisory ,committee1 the ,administrator shall determine if the voting member should be restricted from reviewing1 discussing1 or possessing sensitive security information4 7,b7 ,access ,if a voting member is not restricted from possessing sensitive security information under subparagraph 7,a7 and voluntarily signs a nondisclosure agreement1 the voting member may be granted access to sensitive security information that is relevant to the voting member's service on the ,advisory ,committee4 ,access to classified materials shall be managed under the requirements set forth in section #ejc4ei of title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 7,c7 ,protection of ,,ssi ,voting members shall protect sensitive security information in accordance with part #aebj of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 7,d7 ,protection of classified information ,voting members shall protect classified information in accordance with the applicable requirements for the particular level of classification4 7#g7 ,chairperson ,the ,advisory ,committee shall select a chairperson from among its voting members4 7#h7 ,risk-based security ,the ,advisory ,committee shall consider risk-based security approaches in the performance of its functions4 7#i7 ,joint committee meetings ,the ,advisory ,committee may meet with the ,aviation ,security ,advisory ,committee established under section #ddidf of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 to discuss multimodal security issues and other security-related issues of common concern4 7#aj7 ,subject matter experts ,the ,advisory ,committee may request the assistance of subject matter experts with expertise related to the jurisdiction of the ,advisory ,committee4 4 7b7 ,advisory ,committee members 7#a7 ,voting members ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall appoint the voting members of the ,surface ,transportation and ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee established pursuant to section #djd of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb1 as added by subsection 7a74 ,the voting members shall consist of representatives of each surface transportation mode and the maritime mode4 7#b7 ,nonvoting members ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 each ,federal ,government department and agency with regulatory authority over a mode of surface transportation or maritime1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate1 shall designate an appropriate representative to serve as a nonvoting member of the ,surface ,transportation and ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee4 7c7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents in section #a7;b7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7,public ,law #ajg-bif2 #aaf ,stat4 #bace7 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #djc the following3 ,sec4 #djd4 ,surface ,transportation and ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee4 4 #i4 ,review of ,explosives ,detection ,canine ,team ,program ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,department shall-- 7#a7 review-- 7,a7 the ,transportation ,security ,administration's deployment strategy for explosive detection canine teams1 including consideration of whether the ,administration's analysis of risk to transportation facilities and transportation systems is appropriate2 7,b7 the canine training1 handler training1 ongoing training1 and updates to such training2 and 7,c7 the use of the assets during high threat periods1 including the reallocation of ,national ,explosives ,detection ,canine ,team ,program resources during high threat periods2 and 7#b7 submit to ,congress a report on the review1 including any recommendations on the appropriate number of canine assets needed to enhance security at high-risk facilities1 such as high volume passenger transportation systems and facilities4 #aj4 ,explosive detection technology ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology1 shall research and facilitate next generation technologies to detect explosives in transportation systems and transportation facilities4 #aa4 ,expansion of ,national ,explosives ,detection ,canine ,team ,program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the term explosives detection canine team means a canine and a canine handler that are trained to detect explosives1 radiological materials1 chemical1 nuclear or biological weapons1 or other threats as defined by the ,secretary4 7b7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may encourage ,state1 local1 and tribal governments and private owners of high-risk transportation facilities to strengthen security through the use of explosives detection canine teams4 7c7 ,increased capacity 7#a7 ,in general ,before the date the ,inspector ,general of the ,department submits the report under section #i1 the ,secretary may increase the number of ,state and local maritime and surface transportation canines by not more than #gj explosives detection canine teams4 7#b7 ,additional teams ,beginning on the date the ,inspector ,general of the ,department submits the report under section #i1 the ,secretary may incrementally increase the number of additional explosives detection canine teams described in paragraph 7#a7 to not more than #bjj more than are in service on the date of enactment of this ,act or to not more than the total number of additional explosive detection canine teams recommended by the ,inspector ,general in that report1 whichever is less4 7d7 ,deployment ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 use the additional explosives detection canine teams as part of the ,department's efforts to strengthen security across the ,nation's surface and maritime transportation networks2 7#b7 make available explosives detection canine teams to all modes of transportation1 subject to the requirements under section #g1 for high-risk areas or to address specific threats1 on an as-needed basis and as otherwise determined appropriate by the ,secretary2 and 7#c7 consider specific needs and training requirements for explosives detection canine teams to be deployed across the ,nation's surface transportation network1 including in venues of multiple modes of transportation1 as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7e7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years #bjaf through #bjbj4 #ab4 ,study on security standards and practices for mass transit and passenger rail 7a7 ,security standards and practices for mass transit and passenger rail ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study that compares and develops best practices1 including cybersecurity1 relating to the security standards and practices related to mass transit1 passenger rail networks1 and public areas of other transportation systems employed by the ,transportation ,security ,administration1 ,amtrak1 ,state and local governments1 operators of mass transit and passenger rail services1 and relevant entities in foreign countries4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall issue a report that contains-- 7#a7 the findings of the study conducted under subsection 7a72 and 7#b7 any recommendations on changes regarding security standards and practices to secure mass transit and passenger rail networks against terrorist threats4 #ac4 ,rail security services 7a7 ,rail security services ,the ,comptroller ,general shall conduct a study of rail security provided by the ,transportation ,security ,administration to rail carrier and mass transit systems4 7b7 ,requirements ,in conducting the study under subsection 7a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall-- 7#a7 assess the effectiveness of the the ,administration and stakeholders in improving the security of rail and mass transit surface transportation2 7#b7 assess the ,administration's and stakeholders' projected needs and associated costs1 including funding and personnel1 to improve and address security threats for the security of rail and mass transit surface transportation2 and 7#c7 assess the preparedness of high-risk surface transportation facilities to prevent and respond to security threats4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall issue a report that contains the findings of the study conducted under subsection 7a74 #ad4 ,systemwide ,amtrak security upgrades 7a7 ,railroad security assistance ,section #aeac7;b7 of the ,implementing ,recommendations of the #i_/aa ,commission ,act of #bjjg 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aafc7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking the period at the end and inserting including communications interoperability where appropriate with relevant outside agencies and entities42 7#b7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking security of and inserting security and preparedness of2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#g71 by striking security threats and inserting security threats and preparedness1 including connectivity to the ,national ,terrorist ,screening ,center2 and 7#d7 in paragraph 7#i71 by striking and security officers and inserting 1 security1 and preparedness officers4 7b7 ,specific projects ,section #aead7;a77#c7 of the ,implementing ,recommendations of the #i_/aa ,commission ,act of #bjjg 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aafd7;a77#c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,d7 by inserting 1 or to connect to the ,national ,terrorism ,screening ,center watchlist after ,secretary2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,g71 by striking 2 and at the end and inserting a semicolon2 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,h7 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7,i7 for improvements to passenger verification systems2 and 7,j7 for improvements to employee and contractor verification systems1 including identity verification technology4 4 #ae4 ,passenger rail vetting 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which the ,amtrak ,chief of ,police and the ,amtrak ,board of ,directors jointly submit a request to the ,administrator1 the ,administrator shall issue a decision on the use by ,amtrak of the ,transportation ,security ,administration's ,secure ,flight ,program or a similar passenger vetting system to enhance passenger rail security4 7b7 ,strategic plan ,the decision under subsection 7a7 shall include a strategic plan for working with rail stakeholders to enhance passenger rail security by vetting passengers using terrorist watch lists maintained by the ,federal ,government or a similar passenger vetting system maintained by the ,transportation ,security ,administration4 #af4 ,surface transportation inspectors ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit a report to ,congress that-- 7#a7 identifies the roles and responsibilities of surface transportation security inspectors authorized under section #acjd of the ,implementing ,recommendations of the #i_/aa ,commission ,act of #bjjg 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aaac72 7#b7 determines the extent to which the ,transportation ,security ,administration has used a risk-based1 strategic approach to determine the appropriate number of surface transportation security inspectors and resource allocation across surface transportation modes and field offices2 7#c7 determines if the ,transportation ,security ,administration's surface transportation policies and regulations are risk-based2 7#d7 determines whether opportunities exist to improve risk-based policies and regulations2 7#e7 determines whether surface transportation security inspectors-- 7,a7 have appropriate qualifications to help secure and inspect surface transportation systems2 and 7,b7 have adequate experience and training to perform the responsibilities identified under paragraph 7#a72 7#f7 evaluates feedback from regulated surface transportation industry stakeholders on the effectiveness of surface transportation security inspectors and inspection programs to the overall security of the surface transportation systems of such stakeholders2 7#g7 evaluates the consistency of surface transportation inspections and regulatory enforcement2 7#h7 identifies any duplication or redundancy between the ,transportation ,security ,administration and the ,department of ,transportation relating to surface transportation security inspections or oversight2 and 7#i7 provides recommendations1 if any1 relating to-- 7,a7 the risk-based use of inspection resources for security enhancement in surface and maritime transportation2 and 7,b7 improvements to the ,transportation ,security ,administration's ,surface ,transportation ,security ,inspection ,program1 including changes in organizational and supervisory structures and coordination procedures to enhance consistency and effectiveness in inspection and compliance activities4 #ag4 ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential improvements and assessment 7a7 ,credential improvements 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #fj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall establish a process to improve background checks and terrorism vetting processes that includes-- 7,a7 establishing an entity within the ,office of ,intelligence and ,analysis to provide guidance on security threat assessment processes2 7,b7 conducting a comprehensive risk analysis of the security threat assessment processes to identify areas needing additional internal controls and quality assurance procedures and implementing those procedures2 7,c7 improving fraud detection techniques1 such as-- 7i7 establishing benchmarks and a process for electronic document validation2 7ii7 requiring annual training for ,trusted ,agents2 and 7iii7 establishing a process to review and analyze additional information provided by ,trusted ,agents during the review process2 7,d7 updating guidance and finalizing a manual for ,trusted ,agents and adjudicators to ensure clear guidance on processes and regulations2 and 7,e7 establishing quality controls to ensure consistent procedures to review adjudication decisions and terrorism vetting decisions4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,department shall submit a report to ,congress that evaluates the implementation of the improvements described in paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,comprehensive security assessment of the transportation security card program 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #fj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall commission an assessment of the effectiveness of the transportation security card program 7referred to in this section as the ,program7 required under section #gjaje of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 at enhancing security and reducing security risks for facilities and vessels regulated under chapter #gja of such title4 7#b7 ,location ,the assessment commissioned under paragraph 7#a7 shall be conducted by a research organization with significant experience in port or maritime security1 such as-- 7,a7 a national laboratory2 7,b7 a university-based center within the ,science and ,technology ,directorate's centers of excellence network2 or 7,c7 a qualified federally funded research and development center4 7#c7 ,contents ,the assessment commissioned under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 review the credentialing process by determining-- 7i7 the appropriateness of vetting standards2 7ii7 whether the fee structure adequately reflects the current costs of vetting2 7iii7 whether there is unnecessary redundancy or duplication with other ,federal- or ,state-issued transportation security credentials2 and 7iv7 the appropriateness of having varied ,federal and ,state threat assessments and access controls2 7,b7 review the process for renewing applications for ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credentials1 including the number of days it takes to review application1 appeal1 and waiver requests for additional information2 and 7,c7 review the security value of the ,program by-- 7i7 evaluating the extent to which the ,program1 as implemented1 addresses known or likely security risks in the maritime and port environments2 7ii7 evaluating the potential for a non-biometric credential alternative2 7iii7 identifying the technology1 business process1 and operational impacts of the use of the transportation security card and transportation security card readers in the maritime and port environments2 7iv7 assessing the costs and benefits of the ,program1 as implemented2 and 7v7 evaluating the extent to which the ,secretary has addressed the deficiencies in the ,program identified by the ,government ,accountability ,office and the ,inspector ,general of the ,department before the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#d7 ,deadlines ,the assessment commissioned under paragraph 7#a7 shall be completed not later than #a year after the date on which the assessment is commissioned4 7c7 ,corrective action plan2 program reforms ,if the assessment commissioned under subsection 7b7 identifies a deficiency in the effectiveness of the ,program1 the ,secretary1 not later than #fj days after the date on which the assessment is completed1 shall submit a corrective action plan to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives that-- 7#a7 responds to findings of the assessment2 7#b7 includes an implementation plan with benchmarks2 7#c7 may include programmatic reforms1 revisions to regulations1 or proposals for legislation2 and 7#d7 shall be considered in any rulemaking by the ,department relating to the ,program4 7d7 ,inspector ,general review ,if a corrective action plan is submitted under subsection 7c71 the ,inspector ,general of the ,department shall-- 7#a7 not later than #abj days after such submission1 review the extent to which such plan implements the requirements under subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 not later than #ah months after such submission1 and annually thereafter for the subsequent #c years1 submit a report to the congressional committees set forth in subsection 7c7 that describes the progress of the implementation of such plan4 #ah4 ,military priority for ,,twic applications 7a7 ,definition of eligible service member ,in this section1 the term eligible service member means a member of the ,armed ,forces who is a member of the reserves or is undergoing separation1 discharge1 or release from the ,armed ,forces under honorable conditions during the period of effectiveness4 7b7 ,priority processing of certain ,,twic applications 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to subsections 7c7 and 7d71 and not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall develop a process to prioritize review of an application for a ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential submitted by an eligible service member4 7#b7 ,requirement ,the review and adjudication of an application under paragraph 7#a7 shall be completed not later than #ad days after the date on which the application is submitted unless-- 7,a7 an application is subject to an appeal2 or 7,b7 the ,secretary determines that further documentation is necessary4 7c7 ,processing times ,the priority processing of applications described in subsection 7b77#a7 shall be implemented and remain in place whenever the average processing time for an application for a ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential exceeds #cj days4 7d7 ,memorandum of understanding ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,defense shall enter into a memorandum of understanding that describes the priority processing of ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential applications under subsection 7b74 7e7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives that-- 7#a7 includes a copy of the memorandum of understanding described in subsection 7d72 7#b7 identifies the number of days in which the average processing time for an application for a ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential exceeded #cj days2 7#c7 describes-- 7,a7 the number of eligible service members who submitted an application under subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 the number of eligible service members described in subparagraph 7,a7 who received a ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential2 and 7#d7 for any application submitted under subsection 7b77#a7 that was not completed before the deadline described in subsection 7b77#b7-- 7,a7 the reason the application was not completed before such deadline2 and 7,b7 a description of the actions that will be taken to ensure such applications are completed before such deadline4 #ai4 ,voluntary adoption of ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential ,section #ebj of the ,department of ,homeland ,security ,appropriations ,act1 #bjjd 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #dfi7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,application ,in this section1 individuals engaged in the field of transportation shall include-- 7#a7 individuals required to obtain a transportation worker identification credential under section #aja4ead of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations2 7#b7 individuals required to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement on a commercial driver's license issued by a ,state under section #eajc;a of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7#c7 personnel at a facility that engages in loading1 unloading1 handling1 or storage incidental to transportation who are subject to background checks under section #bg4bcj7;a77#ab7 of title #f1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 4 #bj4 ,cargo container scanning technology review 7a7 ,designations 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and not less frequently than once every #e years thereafter until the date of full-scale implementation of #ajj percent screening of cargo containers and #ajj percent scanning of high-risk containers required under section #bcb of the ,,safe ,port ,act 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #ihb71 the ,secretary shall solicit proposals for scanning technologies1 consistent with the standards under subsection 7b77#h7 of that section1 to improve screening of cargo at domestic ports4 7#b7 ,evaluation ,in soliciting proposals under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall establish measures to assess the performance of the proposed scanning technologies1 including-- 7,a7 the rate of false positives2 7,b7 the delays in processing times2 and 7,c7 the impact on the supply chain4 7b7 ,pilot program 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary may establish a pilot program to determine the efficacy of a scanning technology referred to in subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,application process ,in carrying out the pilot program under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 solicit applications from domestic ports2 and 7,b7 select up to #d domestic ports to participate in the pilot program4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after initiating a pilot program under subsection 7b71 the ,secretary shall submit a report on the pilot program to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives that includes-- 7#a7 an evaluation of the scanning technologies proposed to improve security at domestic ports and to meet the full-scale implementation requirement2 7#b7 the costs to implement a pilot program2 7#c7 the benefits of the proposed scanning technologies2 7#d7 the impact of the pilot program on the supply chain2 and 7#e7 recommendations for implementation of advanced cargo scanning technologies at domestic ports4 7d7 ,sharing pilot program testing results ,the results of the pilot testing of advanced cargo screening technologies shall be shared1 as appropriate1 with government agencies and private stakeholders whose responsibilities encompass the secure transport of cargo4 #ba4 ,background records checks for issuance of hazmat licenses ,section #eajc;a7d7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,transportation security card ,an individual who holds a valid transportation security card issued by the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating under section #gjaje of title #df shall be deemed to have met the background records check required under this subsection4 4 #bb4 ,repeal of biennial reporting requirement for the ,government ,accountability ,office relating to the ,transportation ,security ,information sharing plan 7a7 ,in general ,section #aad of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsections 7u71 7v71 and 7w7 as subsections 7t71 7u71 and 7v71 respectively2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7t71 as redesignated-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,a71 by striking subsection 7t7 and inserting subsection 7s72 7,b7 by striking paragraph 7#g72 and 7,c7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#h7 and 7#i7 as paragraphs 7#g7 and 7#h71 respectively4 7b7 ,technical and conforming amendments 7#a7 ,transportation security strategic planning ,section #aad7s77#c77;,b7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #bjjg and inserting #bjjg74 7#b7 ,congressional oversight of security assurance for public and private stakeholders ,section #abjc7;b77#a77;,b7 of the ,implementing ,recommendations of the #i_/aa ,commission ,act of #bjjg 7#di ,u4,s4,c4 #aad note7 is amended by striking 1 under section #aad7u77#g7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by this section1 or otherwise14