Bill Connors, executive director and COO of the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) testified before the House Committee on Homeland Security…
Bill Connors, executive director and COO of the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) testified before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection and Cybersecurity hearing, titled, The Promise of Registered Traveler.
NBTA has supported the Registered Traveler program since it was first introduced more than three years ago. Expanded to a national program, Registered Traveler would allow security screening resources to be focused more effectively, thereby promoting better security and better use of air travel security funds. Additionally, moving Registered Traveler participants to an expedited screening line would speed security screening for all travelers, including those in the standard line.
In his testimony, Connors commented, Business travelers and corporate travel managers are strong supporters of programs like Registered Traveler, which would speed the process at airports, and offer voluntary participation. Travel security can be both effective and efficient. Providing business travelers the option of strong, expedited screening will help make our businesses, our economy and our country even stronger.
The hearing was chaired by Dan Lungren (R-CA) Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection and Cybersecurity. Other witnesses were C. Stewart Verdery, Jr., Principal, Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti, Inc.; Robert Isom, Senior Vice President, Customer Service, Northwest Airlines, Inc.; Bridgette Goersch, Director of Security, Greater Orlando Airport Authority, Orlando International Airport; and Jim Harper, Director of Information Policy Studies, CATO Institute. The objective of hearing was to review the current pilot programs implemented at five major airports across the country and evaluate what modifications need to be made for further expansion.
Connors concluded his testimony by saying, I would like all of you to know, from the perspective of someone who hears from the business travel community daily, and is responsible for bringing their views to you here today, that it has been a good beginning. Now I would urge you, as quickly and efficiently as possible, to build on that foundation to enable every airport around the county to offer this service to its frequent travelers.
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