Olson Amendment Blocking Outsourcing of Terror Watch Lists Included in Transportation Security Administration Legislation

Washington, DC – Rep. Pete Olson yesterday offered an amendment to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) authorization bill under consideration in the House Homeland Security Committee.  The amendment would block third party, private entities from being allowed to conduct no fly, selectee or watch list checks.  The amendment was passed and will be included in the final version of the bill that will go to the House floor for consideration.

“The ability to deny an individual their right to travel on public transportation is an inherently governmental function,” Rep. Olson said.  “It must be carried out by a government agency and be subject to regular scrutiny.  My amendment ensures that once the government fully implements the Secure Flight program and assumes the responsibilities of watch list verifications, it does not revert back to allowing private entities to conduct no fly, selectee, or watch list checks.”

When Congress passed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, it included a requirement that the Department of Homeland Security begin assuming the responsibilities of prescreening airline passengers by July 2005. 

This amendment also requires the TSA to inform the Homeland Security Committee whenever it authorizes a non-governmental entity from conducting watch list verifications.  When addressing the terrorist watch list, the selectee list, and the no fly list, it is the responsibility of Congress to maintain strict scrutiny on these programs.