HAI on Nov. 11 joined 16 other aviation associations in pressing the US Senate leadership to bring two important bills forward for a vote as soon as possible, before the 113th adjourns in December. In a letter to Sens. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the associations say S.1893, the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act and S.1804, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act, will both streamline and enhance aviation security.

“Both bills were developed with significant input from our industries and represent important progress toward streamlining the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) acquisition process and improving decision-making, by including industry stakeholders on issues affecting aviation security,” wrote the associations. They call the bills common-sense and no-cost solutions that benefit the aviation industry, save the taxpayers money through transparent procurement processes, and strengthen security in the long term. And, they note, the bills were reported out unanimously from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and that companion bills (H.R. 2719 and H.R. 1204, respectively) passed easily in the House of Representatives earlier this year.

“As associations concerned with improving aviation safety and security, we ask that you bring S.1804/H.R. 1204 and S. 1893/H.R. 2719 to the Senate floor for the Senate’s prompt consideration and passage in order to send these critical bills to the President for his signature,” the letter concluded.

In addition to HAI, signatories included: Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA); Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA); Airlines for America (A4A); Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA); American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE); Cargo Airline Association (CAA); General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA); International Air Transport Association (IATA); National Air Transportation Association (NATA); National Business Aviation Association (NBAA); NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP); Security Industry Association (SIA); Security Manufacturers Coalition of the Airports Consultants Council; Southwest Airline Pilots Association (SWAPA); and U.S. Travel Association.