Chairman Garbarino Opens Hearing on Modernizing TSA: “It’s About Investing in the Tools and Partnerships of the Future to Achieve the Best Security Outcomes”

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) delivered the following opening statement in a full Committee hearing to examine opportunities for reform and key legislative proposals to improve aviation security through modernization of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This hearing is guiding the Committee's legislative efforts to modernize our nation's transportation security infrastructure, ensure TSA can promptly respond to emerging risks such as drones and cyberattacks, and improve the travel experience for the flying public ahead of major upcoming events on U.S. soil. The hearing is also examining the long-term impacts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown on TSA's workforce, operations, and resources.

Watch Chairman Garbarino's opening statement here.

As prepared for delivery:

Good morning, and thank you to our witnesses for being here today. As we reflect on nearly 25 years since the September 11^th terrorist attacks, today's hearing will focus on TSA modernization for travelers, from the perspective of leaders across the industry.

First and foremost, we must recognize the impact that recent shutdowns have had on TSA's frontline workforce. Between the 2025 and 2026 shutdowns, transportation security officers endured a total of 119 days impacted by shutdown conditions.

That means TSA officers spent roughly 40% of this fiscal year reporting to work without a paycheck, while continuing to carry out one of the most important security missions in the federal government. Despite the uncertainty and financial strain, these officers still showed up every day to protect the public and keep our aviation system secure.

I also appreciated AFGE President Dr. Everett Kelly speaking out in support of reopening the government and recognizing the serious consequences a shutdown has on TSA officers, federal workers, and the millions of Americans who rely on our aviation system every day. Thank you.

Those challenges also serve as a reminder of why TSA's mission matters and why this agency was created in the first place. As a representative of New York, this issue is deeply personal to me. Both this committee and TSA were shaped by the lessons learned after September 11^th, and the responsibility we carry to endure our country is never caught unprepared again.

That is why today's conversation about TSA modernization and strengthening the agency for the future is so important. Our focus today is on modernizing an agency facing an evolving threat landscape, record high passenger volumes, and lagging technological capabilities compared to our peers worldwide.

Today's threat environment has drastically changed since TSA was first created, and it is imperative that the security and efficiency of our travel system keep pace with the increasingly sophisticated tools leveraged by our adversaries.

The best security system is one that passengers barely notice, which requires seamless, accurate, and effective security screening technology paired with a highly trained security workforce. TSA modernization is not about abandoning the rules of the past. It's about investing in the tools and partnerships of the future to achieve the best security outcomes and improve the traveler experience for all.

The Trump administration has taken meaningful steps in this direction by prioritizing screening efficiency, supporting American families and military members on the move, and leveraging private sector expertise to strengthen airport security.

I applaud the Administration's establishment of a new TSA Modernization office, reporting directly to the TSA Administrator. This new office directly answers this Committee's calls to modernize and reform the agency while increasing public-private partnerships in striving toward greater security outcomes. I look forward to collaborating with this office as TSA and the Committee continue working to modernize aviation security.

One of the most important TSA modernization priorities is ending the diversion of 9/11 Passenger Security Fee revenue, once and for all. Americans and Congress expected this fee to directly fund our aviation security system, but instead, nearly half of that fee's revenue is put toward deficit reduction. It is imperative that Congress restore the Passenger Security fee to its original intent and fund the next generation of screening technology that protects our people and the skies.

That's why I'm proud to join Representative Strong's bipartisan SAFEGUARDS Act, co-led with Representative Kennedy, to end the security fee diversion and restore funding levels for aviation security capital, as well as new passenger security checkpoint technology.

The Committee is also exploring an expansion of the Reimbursable Screening Services Program, to provide airports with the flexibility to segment operational needs while keeping TSA at the forefront and maintaining top security standards.

We are also looking to build upon the Committee's prior work by expanding the One-Stop Security program to improve screening standards with partner countries, pre-emptively assess security data, and streamline the international inbound passenger experience without compromising security.

These are examples of targeted improvements that allow TSA to remain agile, effective, and prepared to combat the threats of tomorrow.

The TSA of the future must utilize the top security solutions that can respond to increasingly sophisticated adversaries and promote continued confidence in our aviation system. It is this Committee's responsibility to ensure TSA has the authorities, flexibility, and oversight it needs to modernize effectively while remaining accountable to the American people. Simply put, we cannot secure travel in a 21st-century world with 20th-century tools and technologies.

We must continue to build on the lessons learned in the 25 years since September 11^th. The phrase "Never Forget" means more than remembrance. It means taking action, promoting accountability, and carrying the mission forward to protect our future and way of life.

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses, and with that, I yield to the Ranking Member for his opening statement.

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