The Alabama Trucking Association, working closely with the American Trucking Associations and other stakeholder organizations, is asking lawmakers to advance the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act (H.R. 5840, S. 3959) and to include an amendment that will simplify and streamline the security requirements and background checks for supply chain workers.
“Enacting this measure would provide a direct benefit to companies by streamlining the security credentialing process,” stated ATA President & CEO Mark Colson in an email to lawmakers. “(This) legislation directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to harmonize and streamline security threat assessment programs that require the same background check, including the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME).”
Truck drivers need TWICs to access secure areas like ports and military installations, and HMEs to access dangerous goods like fuel, fertilizer, arms, and ammunition—and many truck drivers (and other supply chain workers) need both credentials to operate in the secure supply chain.
Colson added, “The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act is supported by stakeholders representing every facet of the supply chain—including trucking, rail, energy, agriculture, maritime, warehousing, and third-party logistics, among others—because we all play a role in the secure supply chain and share the common burden of redundant background checks.”
The bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee unanimously by voice vote. SASC Ranking Member Wicker and HASC Ranking Member Smith are both original sponsors of the legislation, which hopefully helps the industry’s case for NDAA consideration.
“We view this as a unique opportunity to get a big win for supply chain partners,” Colson stated.
