Bill Seeks Evaluation of TWIC Program

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (R-Texas), has introduced legislation to require the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to complete a “comprehensive security assessment” of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program.

The TWIC program, which has suffered from technical glitches and administrative challenges, was first authorized by Congress after the Sept. 11 attacks as a measure to plug security vulnerabilities at U.S. seaports.

The bill would require the department to commission an independent laboratory to do an extensive cost-benefit analysis of the program.

A mark-up of the bill by the House Transportation Committee was postponed due to the federal government shutdown.