Today, Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03), Chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing entitled “TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth, Part III.” This was the third and final in a series of hearings on TSA procurement reform.

Rogers said, “After these three hearings, I believe TSA drastically needs to improve its technology development and procurement process. TSA’s failure to develop a sound procurement process could lead to questionable security protocols and a colossal waste of taxpayer dollars.”

Today’s hearing included witnesses from TSA, the Science and Technology Directorate, the DHS Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, and Office of Inspector General.  At the two previous hearings, the subcommittee heard testimony from former federal officials and private industry.

Rogers continued, “I believe private industry plays a critical role in our overall security. There is not enough involvement with TSA in security technology development today. In addition, the process for setting technology standards is badly in need of reform and faith in the Department’s Science and Technology Directorate is waning. I am concerned about what the consequences of these ongoing failures could be.”

The subcommittee is continuing its efforts to develop legislative proposals to address TSA’s procurement short comings.

Rogers has served on the Committee on Homeland Security since 2005.  He is also a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.

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