Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after his legislation text, H.R. 4577, the Domestic Explosive Detection Canine Capacity Building Act, was included in the FAA Reauthorization bill which passed the House of Representatives this week.

“I was thrilled to see my legislation included.  Working canines continue to be an essential and integral part of our national security system.  These canines are not only more cost-effective, but more proficient at detecting explosives than any machine on the market today.

“I have continually advocated and fought for the increased use of canines throughout the transportation sector.  As we continue to see attacks on soft targets around the world, many of these canine teams are worked to their capacity.  The text of this legislation ensures the Department of Homeland Security will work with American breeders and the private sector to increase the volume of these animals that are available.”

Another addition to the FAA reauthorization was Rogers’ language on updating the Screening Partnership Program (SPP).  These additions would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to act expeditiously when airports wish to use private screeners over TSA and allows that airport to select their own replacement from a list of approved contractors rather than have TSA choose their own replacement.  The benefit of this is that private screeners are then able to use new technology and innovations that meet or exceed TSA’s current capabilities.

Rogers serves as a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee and a member of the House Armed Service Committee and House Agriculture Committee.

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