Transportation Security Administration’s Advanced Surveillance Program

Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 44903(h) the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration in consultation with the Airport Authority is required to deploy personnel and provide airport screening including screen and inspect all passengers and their baggage. The requirement also provides for technical support and financial assistance to airports to defray the costs of enhancing security operations. (49 U.S.C. § 114(m)(l) and 106(l)(6))

On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) was enacted to assist those most impacted by the recession by creating and preserving jobs and promoting economic recovery. The funding was specified for multiple areas of national interest. The Transportation Security Administration received $1 billion specifically for the procurement and installation of checked baggage explosives detection systems and checkpoint explosives detection equipment to accelerate the installations at locations with completed design plans. Included in TSA’s approved Recovery Act Expenditure Plan is funding to complete the surveillance projects listed below.