Rep. Payne Jr.’s Proposal to Enhance Security at Public Areas of Transportation Facilities Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – A few minutes ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a proposal by Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) that would bolster security in public areas of transportation facilities, including airports. Rep. Payne’s proposal, originally introduced as the “Securing Public Areas of Transportation Facilities Act of 2018” (H.R. 5766), was incorporated into the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. Rep. Payne, Jr. issued the following statement:

“I am pleased that my bill to secure public areas of transportation facilities was included as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act,” said Rep. Payne, Jr. “By creating a Public Area Security Working Group, the Department of Homeland Security can help ensure airports and other transportation facilities are safe for everyone.

“In the United States and around the world, terrorists continue to target transportation systems. As heightened security has made attacks against aircrafts more difficult to carry out, terrorists have turned their attention to soft targets such as the crowded public areas of airports and other transportation facilities.

“These public areas are vulnerable to attacks from terrorists and active shooters given their many points of entry, heavy traffic, and relative lack of security. In recent years, we have seen attacks in public airport areas in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Fort Lauderdale;  and last year, we witnessed an attempted bombing of a public surface transportation facility in New York City. We have been fortunate to not have experienced more deadly attacks such as those that were carried out in Brussels and Istanbul a few years ago. This bill will ensure that the Department of Homeland Security gives due attention to bolstering security in these soft targets.”

Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr., is Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications.