,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #gfc ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,march #bi1 #bjag ,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 and maritime transportation security4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,surface and ,maritime ,transportation ,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 and maritime transportation security assessment and implementation of risk-based strategy4 ,sec4 #d4 ,risk-based budgeting and resource allocation4 ,sec4 #e4 ,surface and maritime transportation security management and interagency coordination review4 ,sec4 #f4 ,transparency4 ,sec4 #g4 ,,tsa counterterrorism asset deployment4 ,sec4 #h4 ,surface ,transportation ,security ,advisory ,committee4 ,sec4 #i4 ,review of the explosives detection canine team program4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,expansion of national explosives detection canine team program4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,explosive detection technology4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,study on security standards and best practices for passenger transportation systems4 ,sec4 #ac4 ,amtrak security upgrades4 ,sec4 #ad4 ,passenger rail vetting4 ,sec4 #ae4 ,study on surface transportation inspectors4 ,sec4 #af4 ,security awareness program4 ,sec4 #ag4 ,voluntary use of credentialing4 ,sec4 #ah4 ,background records checks for issuance of hazmat licenses4 ,sec4 #ai4 ,cargo container scanning technology review4 ,sec4 #bj4 ,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 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 7,b7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7,c7 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#c7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7#d7 ,explosives detection canine team ,the term explosives detection canine team means a canine and a canine handler that are trained to detect explosives and other threats as defined by the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,risk ,the term risk means the possibility that a threat will take advantage of a vulnerability to cause harm4 7#f7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 7#g7 ,threat ,the term threat means an adversary that has the intent and capability to cause harm4 7#h7 ,vulnerability ,the term vulnerability means a weakness in a system or facility that a threat can exploit to cause harm4 #c4 ,surface and maritime transportation security assessment and implementation of risk-based strategy 7a7 ,security assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall complete an assessment of-- 7,a7 the vulnerabilities of and risks to surface transportation systems2 and 7,b7 in coordination with the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard1 the vulnerabilities of and risks to maritime transportation systems4 7#b7 ,considerations ,in conducting the security assessment under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 consider appropriate intelligence2 7,b7 consider security breaches and attacks at domestic and international transportation facilities2 7,c7 consider the vulnerabilities and risks associated with specific modes of surface transportation2 7,d7 evaluate the vetting and security training of-- 7i7 employees in surface transportation2 7ii7 employees in maritime transportation2 and 7iii7 other individuals with access to sensitive or secure areas of transportation networks2 and 7,e7 consider input from-- 7i7 representatives of different modes of surface transportation2 7ii7 subject to paragraph 7#c7-- 7,i7 representatives of maritime transportation2 7,,ii7 critical infrastructure entities2 and 7,,iii7 the ,transportation ,systems ,sector ,coordinating ,council2 7iii7 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard2 and 7iv7 the heads of other relevant ,federal departments or agencies4 7#c7 ,maritime facilities ,the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall coordinate with the ,administrator to provide input and other information regarding the vulnerabilities of and risks to maritime facilities4 7b7 ,risk-,based security strategy 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date the security assessment under subsection 7a7 is complete1 the ,administrator shall use the results of the assessment-- 7,a7 to develop and implement a cross-cutting1 risk-based security strategy that includes-- 7i7 all surface transportation modes2 7ii7 to the extent the ,transportation ,security ,administration provides support in maritime transportation security efforts1 maritime transportation2 7iii7 a mitigating strategy that aligns with each vulnerability and risk identified in subsection 7a72 7iv7 a planning process to inform resource allocation2 7v7 priorities1 milestones1 and performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of the risk-based security strategy2 and 7vi7 processes for sharing relevant and timely intelligence threat information with appropriate stakeholders2 7,b7 to develop a management oversight strategy that-- 7i7 identifies the parties responsible for the implementation1 management1 and oversight of the risk-based security strategy2 and 7ii7 includes a plan for implementing the risk-based security strategy2 and 7,c7 to modify the risk-based budget and resource allocations1 in accordance with section #d7;c71 for the ,transportation ,security ,administration4 7#b7 ,coordinated approach ,in developing and implementing the risk-based security strategy under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 coordinate with the heads of other relevant ,federal departments or agencies1 and stakeholders1 as appropriate-- 7i7 to evaluate existing surface transportation security programs1 policies1 and initiatives1 including the explosives detection canine teams1 for consistency with the risk-based security strategy and1 to the extent practicable1 avoid any unnecessary duplication of effort2 7ii7 to determine the extent to which stakeholder security programs1 policies1 and initiatives address the vulnerabilities and risks to surface transportation systems identified in subsection 7a72 and 7iii7 subject to clause 7ii71 to mitigate each vulnerability and risk to surface transportation systems identified in subsection 7a72 and 7,b7 coordinate with the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard-- 7i7 to evaluate existing maritime transportation security programs1 policies1 and initiatives for consistency with the risk-based security strategy and1 to the extent practicable1 avoid any unnecessary duplication of effort2 7ii7 to ensure there are no security gaps between jurisdictional authorities that a threat can exploit to cause harm2 7iii7 to determine the extent to which stakeholder security programs1 policies1 and initiatives address the vulnerabilities and risks to maritime transportation systems identified in subsection 7a72 and 7iv7 subject to clauses 7ii7 and 7iii71 to mitigate each vulnerability and risk to maritime transportation systems identified in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date the security assessment under subsection 7a7 is complete1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress and the ,inspector ,general of the ,department a report that-- 7,a7 describes the process used to complete the security assessment2 7,b7 describes the process used to develop the risk-based security strategy2 7,c7 describes the risk-based security strategy2 7,d7 includes the management oversight strategy2 7,e7 includes-- 7i7 the findings of the security assessment2 7ii7 a description of the actions recommended or taken by the ,administrator1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard1 or the head of another ,federal department or agency to mitigate the vulnerabilities and risks identified in subsection 7a72 7iii7 any recommendations for improving the coordinated approach to mitigating vulnerabilities and risks to surface and maritime transportation systems2 and 7iv7 any recommended changes to the ,national ,infrastructure ,protection ,plan1 the modal annexes to such plan1 or relevant surface or maritime transportation security programs1 policies1 or initiatives2 and 7,f7 may contain a classified annex4 7#b7 ,protections ,in preparing the report1 the ,administrator shall take appropriate actions to safeguard information described by section #eeb7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 or protected from disclosure by any other law of the ,united ,states4 7d7 ,updates ,not less frequently than semiannually1 the ,administrator shall report to or brief the appropriate committees of ,congress on the vulnerabilities of and risks to surface and maritime transportation systems and how those vulnerabilities and risks affect the risk-based security strategy4 #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 to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that describes a risk-based budget and resource allocation plan for surface transportation sectors1 within and across modes1 that-- 7#a7 reflects the risk-based security strategy under section #c7;b72 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 and maritime transportation 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 ,transportation ,security ,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 ,national ,special ,security ,event 7as defined in section #bjja of ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #fja771 the ,secretary shall provide the notification described in paragraph 7#b7 to the appropriate committees of ,congress4 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 ,transportation ,security ,administration of the personnel or resource allocation4 #e4 ,surface and maritime transportation security management and interagency coordination review 7a7 ,review ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7#a7 review the staffing1 budget1 resource1 and personnel allocation1 and management oversight strategy of the ,transportation ,security ,administration's surface and maritime transportation security programs2 7#b7 review the coordination between relevant entities of leadership1 planning1 policy1 inspections1 and implementation of security programs relating to surface and maritime transportation to reduce redundancy and regulatory burden2 and 7#c7 submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the findings of the reviews under paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b71 including any recommendations for improving coordination between relevant entities and reducing redundancy and regulatory burden4 7b7 ,definition of relevant entities ,in this section1 the term relevant entities means-- 7#a7 the ,transportation ,security ,administration2 7#b7 the ,coast ,guard2 7#c7 other ,federal1 ,state1 or local departments or agencies with jurisdiction over a mode of surface or maritime transportation2 7#d7 critical infrastructure entities2 7#e7 the ,transportation ,systems ,sector ,coordinating ,council2 and 7#f7 relevant stakeholders4 #f4 ,transparency 7a7 ,regulations 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter1 the ,administrator shall publish on a public website information regarding the status of each regulation relating to surface transportation security that is directed by law to be issued and that has not been issued if not less than #b years have passed since the date of enactment of the law4 7#b7 ,contents ,the information published under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 an updated rulemaking schedule for the outstanding regulation2 7,b7 current staff allocations2 7,c7 data collection or research relating to the development of the rulemaking2 7,d7 current efforts1 if any1 with security experts1 advisory committees1 and other stakeholders2 and 7,e7 other relevant details associated with the development of the rulemaking that impact the progress of the rulemaking4 7b7 ,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 to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that-- 7#a7 identifies the requirements under such titles of that ,act and under this ,act that have not been fully implemented2 7#b7 describes what1 if any1 additional action is necessary2 and 7#c7 includes recommendations regarding whether any of the requirements under such titles of that ,act or this ,act should be amended 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 ,prevention and ,response teams1 to enhance security at a surface transportation system or surface transportation facility for a period of not less than #ahj consecutive days1 the ,administrator shall provide sufficient notification to the system or facility operator1 as applicable1 not less than #ad days prior to terminating the deployment4 7b7 ,exception ,this section shall not apply if the ,administrator-- 7#a7 determines there is an urgent security need for the personnel or resource described in subsection 7a72 and 7#b7 notifies the appropriate committees of ,congress of the determination under paragraph 7#a74 #h4 ,surface ,transportation ,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 ,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 ,security ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as the ,advisory ,committee74 7b7 ,duties 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,advisory ,committee may advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,administrator on surface transportation security matters1 including the development1 refinement1 and implementation of policies1 programs1 initiatives1 rulemakings1 and security directives pertaining to surface transportation security4 7#b7 ,risk-based security ,the ,advisory ,committee shall consider risk-based security approaches in the performance of its duties4 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 as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,appointment ,the ,administrator shall appoint voting members from among stakeholders representing each mode of surface transportation1 such as passenger rail1 freight rail1 mass transit1 pipelines1 highways1 over-the-road bus1 and trucking1 including representatives from-- 7,a7 associations representing such modes of surface transportation2 7,b7 labor organizations representing such modes of surface transportation2 7,c7 groups representing the users of such modes of surface transportation1 including 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 ,chairperson ,the ,advisory ,committee shall select a chairperson from among its voting members4 7#d7 ,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 7i7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may review the participation of a member of the ,advisory ,committee and remove such member for cause at any time4 7ii7 ,access to information ,the ,administrator may remove any member of the ,advisory ,committee that the ,administrator determines should be restricted from reviewing1 discussing1 or possessing classified information or sensitive security information4 7#e7 ,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#f7 ,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 under subsection 7e77#e74 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#g7 ,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 ,committee and before that voting member may be granted any access to classified information or sensitive security information1 the ,administrator shall determine if the voting member should be restricted from reviewing1 discussing1 or possessing classified information or sensitive security information4 7,b7 ,access 7i7 ,sensitive security information ,if a voting member is not restricted from reviewing1 discussing1 or 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 7ii7 ,classified information ,access to classified materials shall be managed in accordance with ,executive ,order #acebf of ,december #bi1 #bjji 7#ge ,fed4 ,reg4 #gjg71 or any subsequent corresponding ,executive order4 7,c7 ,protections 7i7 ,sensitive security information ,voting members shall protect sensitive security information in accordance with part #aebj of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 7ii7 ,classified information ,voting members shall protect classified information in accordance with the applicable requirements for the particular level of classification4 7#h7 ,joint committee meetings ,the ,advisory ,committee may meet with one or more of the following advisory committees to discuss multimodal security issues and other security-related issues of common concern3 7,a7 ,aviation ,security ,advisory ,committee established under section #ddidf of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,b7 ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee established under section #gjaab of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,c7 ,railroad ,safety ,advisory ,committee established by the ,federal ,railroad ,administration4 7#i7 ,subject matter experts ,the ,advisory ,committee may request the assistance of subject matter experts with expertise related to the jurisdiction of the ,advisory ,committee4 7d7 ,reports 7#a7 ,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#b7 ,annual report 7,a7 ,submission ,the ,advisory ,committee shall submit to the ,administrator and the appropriate congressional committees an annual report 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 the date that 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;a7b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7e7 ,administration response 7#a7 ,consideration ,the ,administrator shall consider the information1 advice1 and recommendations of the ,advisory ,committee in formulating policies1 programs1 initiatives1 rulemakings1 and security directives pertaining to surface transportation security and to the support of maritime transportation security efforts4 7#b7 ,feedback ,not later than #ij days after the date that the ,administrator receives a recommendation from the ,advisory ,committee under subsection 7d77#b71 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,advisory ,committee written feedback on the recommendation1 including-- 7,a7 if the ,administrator agrees with the recommendation1 a plan describing the actions that the ,administrator has taken1 will take1 or recommends that the head of another ,federal department or agency take to implement the recommendation2 or 7,b7 if the ,administrator disagrees with the recommendation1 a justification for that determination4 7#c7 ,notices ,not later than #cj days after the date the ,administrator submits feedback under paragraph 7#b71 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 notify the appropriate congressional committees of the feedback1 including the determination under subparagraph 7,a7 or subparagraph 7,b7 of that paragraph1 as applicable2 and 7,b7 provide the appropriate congressional committees with a briefing upon request4 7#d7 ,updates ,not later than #ij days after the date the ,administrator receives a recommendation from the ,advisory ,committee under subsection 7d77#b7 that the ,administrator agrees with1 and quarterly thereafter until the recommendation is fully implemented1 the ,administrator shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees or post on the public website under paragraph 7#e7 an update on the status of the recommendation4 7#e7 ,website ,the ,administrator shall maintain a public website that-- 7,a7 lists the members of the ,advisory ,committee2 and 7,b7 provides the contact information for the ,advisory ,committee4 7f7 ,nonapplicability of ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,advisory ,committee or any subcommittee established under this section4 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 ,security ,advisory ,committee established under section #djd of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb1 as added by subsection 7a7 of this section4 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 or maritime transportation1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate1 shall designate an appropriate representative to serve as a nonvoting member of the ,surface ,transportation ,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 ,security ,advisory ,committee4 4 #i4 ,review of the explosives detection canine team program 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date that the ,inspector ,general of the ,department receives the report under section #c7;c71 the ,inspector ,general of the ,department shall-- 7#a7 review the explosives detection canine team program1 including-- 7,a7 the development by the ,transportation ,security ,administration of a deployment strategy for explosives detection canine teams2 7,b7 the national explosives detection canine team training program1 including canine training1 handler training1 refresher training1 and updates to such training2 and 7,c7 the use of the canine assets during an urgent security need1 including the reallocation of such program resources outside the transportation systems sector during an urgent security need2 and 7#b7 submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the review1 including any recommendations4 7b7 ,considerations ,in conducting the review of the deployment strategy under subsection 7a77#a77;,a71 the ,inspector ,general shall consider whether the ,transportation ,security ,administration's method to analyze the risk to transportation facilities and transportation systems is appropriate4 #aj4 ,expansion of national explosives detection canine team program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 where appropriate1 shall 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 7b7 ,increased capacity 7#a7 ,in general ,before the date the ,inspector ,general of the ,department submits the report under section #i1 the ,administrator may increase the number of ,state and local surface and maritime 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 increase the ,state and local surface and maritime transportation canines up to #bjj explosives detection canine teams unless more are identified in the risk-based security strategy under section #c1 consistent with section #d or with the ,president's most recent budget submitted under section #aaje of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,recommendations ,before initiating any increase in the number of explosives detection teams under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall consider any recommendations in the report under section #i on the efficacy and management of the explosives detection canine program4 7c7 ,deployment ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 use the additional explosives detection canine teams1 as described in subsection 7b77#a71 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 to address specific vulnerabilities or risks1 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 and maritime transportation networks1 including in venues of multiple modes of transportation1 as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7d7 ,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 #bjah through #bjba4 #aa4 ,explosive detection technology ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology and the head of each relevant ,federal department or agency researching explosive detection systems1 shall research and facilitate next generation technologies to detect explosives in transportation systems and transportation facilities4 #ab4 ,study on security standards and best practices for passenger transportation systems 7a7 ,security standards and best practices for ,united ,states and foreign passenger transportation systems ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study of how the ,transportation ,security ,administration-- 7#a7 identifies and compares-- 7,a7 ,united ,states and foreign passenger transportation security standards2 and 7,b7 best practices for protecting passenger transportation systems1 including shared terminal facilities1 and cyber systems2 and 7#b7 disseminates the findings under paragraph 7#a7 to stakeholders4 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 for improving the relevant processes or procedures4 #ac4 ,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 1 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 7,j7 for improvements to employee and contractor verification systems1 including identity verification technology2 or 7,k7 for improvements to the security of ,amtrak computer systems1 including cybersecurity assessments and programs4 4 #ad4 ,passenger rail vetting 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which the ,amtrak ,board of ,directors submits 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 ,if the ,administrator decides to grant the request by ,amtrak under subsection 7a71 the decision 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 7c7 ,notices ,the ,administrator shall notify the appropriate committees of ,congress of any decision made under subsection 7a7 and the details of the strategic plan under subsection 7b74 7d7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the ,administrator's authority to set the access to1 or terms and conditions of using1 the ,secure ,flight ,program or a similar passenger vetting system4 #ae4 ,study on 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 to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report 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 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#c7 evaluates feedback from 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#d7 evaluates the consistency of surface transportation inspections1 recommendations1 and regulatory enforcement1 where applicable2 7#e7 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#f7 provides recommendations1 if any1 relating to-- 7,a7 improvements to the surface transportation security inspectors program1 including-- 7i7 changes in organizational and supervisory structures2 7ii7 coordination procedures to enhance consistency2 and 7iii7 effectiveness in inspection and compliance activities2 and 7,b7 whether each transportation mode needs inspectors trained and qualified for that specific mode4 #af4 ,security awareness program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall establish a program to promote surface transportation security through the training of surface transportation operators and frontline employees on each of the skills identified in subsection 7c74 7b7 ,application ,the program established under subsection 7a7 shall apply to all modes of surface transportation1 including public transportation1 rail1 highway1 motor carrier1 and pipeline4 7c7 ,training ,the program established under subsection 7a7 shall cover1 at a minimum1 the skills necessary to recognize1 assess1 and respond to suspicious items or actions that could indicate a threat to transportation4 7d7 ,assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall conduct an assessment of current training programs for surface transportation operators and frontline employees4 7#b7 ,contents ,the assessment shall identify-- 7,a7 whether other training is being provided1 either voluntarily or in response to other ,federal requirements2 and 7,b7 whether there are any gaps in existing training4 7e7 ,updates ,the ,administrator shall ensure the program established under subsection 7a7 is updated as necessary to address changes in risk and terrorist methods and to close any gaps identified in the assessment under subsection 7d74 7f7 ,suspicious activity reporting 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall maintain a national telephone number for an individual to use to report suspicious activity under this section to the ,administration4 7#b7 ,procedures ,the ,administrator shall establish procedures for the ,administration-- 7,a7 to review and followup1 as necessary1 on each report received under paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 to share1 as necessary and in accordance with law1 the report with appropriate ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and tribal entities4 7#c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed to replace or affect in any way the use of #i-a-a services in an emergency4 7g7 ,definition of frontline employee ,in this section1 the term frontline employee includes-- 7#a7 an employee of a public transportation agency who is a transit vehicle driver or operator1 dispatcher1 maintenance and maintenance support employee1 station attendant1 customer service employee1 security employee1 or transit police1 or any other employee who has direct contact with riders on a regular basis1 and any other employee of a public transportation agency that the ,administrator determines should receive security training under this section or that is receiving security training under other law2 7#b7 over-the-road bus drivers1 security personnel1 dispatchers1 maintenance and maintenance support personnel1 ticket agents1 other terminal employees1 and other employees of an over-the-road bus operator or terminal owner or operator that the ,administrator determines should receive security training under this section or that is receiving security training under other law2 or 7#c7 security personnel1 dispatchers1 locomotive engineers1 conductors1 trainmen1 other onboard employees1 maintenance and maintenance support personnel1 bridge tenders1 and any other employees of railroad carriers that the ,administrator determines should receive security training under this section or that is receiving security training under other law4 #ag4 ,voluntary use of credentialing 7a7 ,in general ,an individual who is subject to credentialing or a background investigation may satisfy that requirement by obtaining a valid transportation security card issued under section #gjaje of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,issuance of cards ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security-- 7#a7 shall expand the transportation security card program1 consistent with section #gjaje of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 to allow an individual who is subject to credentialing or a background investigation to apply for a transportation security card2 and 7#b7 may charge reasonable fees1 in accordance with section #ebj7;a7 of the ,department of ,homeland ,security ,appropriations ,act1 #bjjd 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #dfi7;a771 for providing the necessary credentialing and background investigation4 7c7 ,definition ,in this section1 the term individual who is subject to credentialing or a background investigation means an individual who-- 7#a7 because of employment is regulated by the ,transportation ,security ,administration1 ,department of ,transportation1 or ,coast ,guard and is required to have a background records check 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 or 7#b7 is required to have a credential and background records check under section #bajb7;d77#b7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #fbb7;d77#b77 at a facility with activities that are regulated by the ,transportation ,security ,administration1 ,department of ,transportation1 or ,coast ,guard4 #ah4 ,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 cards ,an individual who holds a valid transportation security card issued by the ,secretary of the departing 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 #ai4 ,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 scanning 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 7,b7 select up to #d domestic ports to participate in the pilot program2 and 7,c7 select ports with unique features and differing levels of trade volume4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after initiating a pilot program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the pilot program1 including-- 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 7#d7 ,sharing pilot program testing results ,the results of the pilot testing of advanced cargo scanning technologies shall be shared1 as appropriate1 with government agencies and private stakeholders whose responsibilities encompass the secure transport of cargo4 #bj4 ,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