The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) lauded the passage of HR 1817, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006…
The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) lauded the passage of HR 1817, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006. The DHS authorization passed last week by the U.S. House of Representatives includes a provision preventing an increase to the air travel security fee in order to pay for the programs outlined in the bill. NBTA urges the Senate to keep that provision in the final bill.
The National Business Travel Association has been vocal in its opposition to increasing the air travel security fee, and we are pleased to see our advocacy has made an impact, said NBTA President and CEO, Carol A. Devine, CCTE. The proposed increase would have cost American businesses more than $400 million each year. Keeping the air security fee at its current level means business can continue to spend that money on flights, hotels, car rentals, chauffeured transportation, meals, and other travel expenses. Those expenditures benefit local economies across the country, support business and commercial activity at all levels, and generate tax revenue. This vote is a victory for America`s national interest, and everyone wins.
The provision preventing a hike in the security tax was passed as an amendment to the bill, with 363 Members of Congress voting for the amendment, 65 voting against, and five not voting. On behalf of its members, NBTA thanks all Members of the House who supported the amendment. Special thanks goes to Congresswoman Hooley (D-OR), who introduced the amendment, and to two Members who spoke at the NBTA Legislative Summit on this and other business travel issues on the same day the bill passed: Tom Davis (R-VA) and Tim Holden (D-PA). A complete tally of votes on the amendment is available via the NBTA Legislative Action Center — http://capwiz.com/nbta/issues/votes/?votenum=184&chamber=H&congress=1091.
NBTA has long given voice to its members` belief that travel security is national security and should be funded as a national security priority, with significant funding coming from the general fund. Those interested in urging their Senators to pass a DHS authorization that does not increase the security fee can do so through the NBTA Legislative Action Center. See http://capwiz.com/nbta/issues/alert/?alertid=7636981&type=CO for more details.
Reducing and Standardizing Security Wait Times
The House bill also includes language requiring DHS to create a plan within 180 days of passage of the bill to reduce wait times at security screening checkpoints to no more than 20 minutes.
While the screening process has improved, extra time spent in security lines equals lost productivity for business travelers. Additionally, inconsistencies at different times and across various airports means many travelers don`t know what to expect in terms of security wait times, said Devine. A consistent wait time of twenty minutes or less would go a long way toward building more confidence in the system and making the travel experience more positive and productive.
Other Provisions
The following provisions also included in the authorization bill may have an impact on business travel and business travelers:
- DHS must establish single process security screening and background checks for the NEXUS, SENTRI, and Registered Traveler Programs, including single submission by applicants of personal and biometric data, the ability to submit data to any of the approved programs, and established privacy standards.
- DHS must create at least 4 remote enrollment centers for the NEXUS, FAST, SENTRI programs in population centers where there is demand for such a service.
- NEXUS Air and NEXUS Land are to be merged into a single program.
- The time requirement for passengers on commercial flights arriving at and departing from Washington Reagan National Airport to remain seated will be reduced to 15 minutes (from the current 30 minutes) after takeoff from and before touchdown at that airport.
Photo: Rep Tom Davis speaks at NBTA Legislative Summit the same day the bill is passed
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
