March 06, 2024

TSA Releases Security Preparedness Plan Resulting from Rep. Watson Coleman Bill

Last week, the Transportation Security Administration released their Transportation Security Preparedness Plan to Address the Event of a Communicable Disease. 

This plan, which makes America’s transportation systems more resilient to communicable disease outbreak, is the result of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman’s Transportation Security Preparedness Act of 2021, which became law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2022.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020, we had to learn the hard way just how unprepared we were,” said Rep. Watson Coleman (NJ-12). “When I drafted this legislation, I sought to bolster our readiness so the next time — and unfortunately, there will be a next time — we are prepared for the worst. I’m pleased to see the TSA’s plan is thorough and will go a long way to keeping workers and passengers safe.”

“I am glad that TSA issued its first Transportation Security Preparedness Plan so the agency can be better prepared for future pandemics,” said Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, the Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security. “With a frontline workforce of over 50,000, we need to be sure the workforce – and the flying public they interact with – are properly protected. I thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman for leading on this issue and for championing the legislation that made this plan a reality.”

The plan can be viewed here.