The U.S. Travel Association has commended the House of Representatives for their passage of the "Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2012," H.R. 1447. The bill reconstitutes and codifies the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), a critical tool in securing our nation's aviation system, the association says.
"The ASAC is a key resource for Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee to gather perspectives of experts in aviation and security. We are pleased that this Administration has restarted the group and that the House of Representatives has approved this bill, which provides for new participants in the ASAC process," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
"U.S. Travel is committed to improving the overall traveler experience and looks forward to working with Congress and the Administration on programs and initiatives that will enhance security and benefit the traveling public," Dow said.
Passage of this legislation underscores the importance of government and private sector collaboration on aviation security issues, U.S. Travel said.
The ASAC will provide valuable input to the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration to strengthen aviation security and enhance the existing relationship between TSA and the travel industry. ASAC recently established the Passenger Advocacy subcommittee, chaired by Geoff Freeman, chief operating officer and executive vice president of the U.S. Travel Association. Freeman's appointment strengthens the travel industry's ability to advocate for continued improvements to the aviation security screening process, as well as customs and entry procedures, U.S. Travel said.
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