Rep. Cleaver’s Bill to Protect TSA Workers and Airline Passengers Passes House of Representatives

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of H.R. 1877, the Security Screening During COVID-19 Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 319-105. The legislation, which was introduced by Representative Cleaver, directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to issue and implement a plan to enhance security operations during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the spread of the virus among TSA employees and airline passengers.

"TSA workers provide safety and assurance to the American people. It's time that we do the same for the workers of airport security," said Congressman Cleaver. "As the Delta variant continues to spread across the nation, and we see record breaking airline travel across the country, now is the time to act to enhance best practices and measures to protect travelers and TSA workers who are reopening our economy. This bipartisan legislation opens doors for the TSA to enact proactive steps as they see fit to make impactful procedures regarding COVID-19."

Specifically, the Security Screening During COVID-19 Act would:

• Direct the TSA Administrator to coordinate with HHS and the CDC to develop an actionable plan that identifies best practices among foreign governments, airports, and air carriers regarding COVID-19
• Call on the TSA Administrator to identify specific operational changes that TSA can make to further reduce the spread of the coronavirus at our nation's checkpoints.
• Authorize the TSA to consult with stakeholders and the TSA workforce when developing the plan.
• Direct the Comptroller General to issue a report on the plan one year after it is issued and implementation has begun.

"Although progress has been made in the vaccination process, we must remember to protect our neighbors in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic," said Congressmen Cleaver. "In order to combat the virus, it is crucial to protect the nation's workers and those who protect and serve. This legislation will finally put into action the foundation to not only improve safe travel but also strengthen working conditions for TSA and other airport employees."

You can find the official text of the Screening During COVID-19 Act

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Haydin Brady at 202-538-4326 or haydin.brady@mail.house.gov