Walsh Passes Second Bipartisan Bill on Same Day

A press release from Congressman Joe Walsh:

Rep. Walsh’s No-Hassle Flying Act Heads to Senate

Bill becomes second bi-partisan measure to pass the House

Lining up for baggage checks at Midway Airport.

WASHINGTON – For the second time on Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted in favor of a bi-partisan bill authored by Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-08).  H.R. 6028, the No-Hassle Flying Act, passed by voice-vote and received the praise of the Homeland Security Committee Chairman and Ranking Member.

“Passage of legislation like this is proof once again that Members on both sides of the aisle can come together to ease the lives of Americans and in matters of national security,” said Walsh.

“I appreciate the support of everyone who helped me lead this effort.”

Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (MS-02) agreed with the spirit of bi-partisanship when he stated on the floor:

“Mr. Speaker, I’d like to extend my congratulations to the gentleman from Illinois, Representative Walsh, for having bills on the floor for consideration… I suspect that he is as surprised as I am that one of his first bills to reach the floor was proposed to Congress by the Obama Administration.”

“Current rules have proven unnecessary and burdensome to travelers,” explained Walsh.

“As the US gravitates toward more efficient risk-based security measures, my bill will make that process easier.

“It will also save travelers time and allow security officers to focus on higher-risk baggage from overseas locations.”

H.R. 6028 streamlines baggage security measures for international flights.

Because of an ambiguity in law, passengers originating from some overseas airports must have their baggage screened twice when returning home to the United States.

Members from the Committee and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) worked on compromise language that would ensure passengers are no longer burdened by this double-security.

In response to the passage of the bill, Committee Chairman Peter King (NY-03) stated,

“Congressman Walsh deserves great credit for this legislation, and I’m pleased that the House has passed this commonsense bill to improve TSA’s baggage screening procedures, more efficiently securing our Nation’s aviation system”

The measure also received public support from many industry groups, such as Airlines 4 America, Airports Council International, American Association of Airport Executives, Global Business Travel Association, and the US Travel Association.

It is expected to be introduced in the Senate soon.


Comments

Walsh Passes Second Bipartisan Bill on Same Day — 3 Comments

  1. I wish he could take back his vote for the Patriot Act.

    At least this is a start.

  2. Joe was not in Congress when the Patriot Act was passed by the Democratically controlled House and Senate.

  3. More cheap legislation being offered up to grandstand for the public and show that he’s doing something productive. See – it made “news” on this site.

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