HR-5131 : Still Just a Bill

Surface Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2018

This bill establishes programs and reporting requirements to identify risks to facilities, equipment, or systems used to provide surface transportation. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to:

  • develop risk-based priorities informed by an analysis of terrorist and cyber attack scenarios,
  • submit to Congress a feasibility assessment of employing new technologies to enhance surface transportation security,
  • disseminate best practices to protect against the threat of a vehicle-based terrorist attack, and
  • report on threats to transportation security posed by the use of security technologies developed or produced by firms owned or closely linked to foreign governments known to pose a threat.

The Government Accountability Office must evaluate the extent to which the 2016 Biennial National Strategy for Transportation Security is reflected in federal transportation security programs.

The bill authorizes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish a task force to identify and develop an innovative technology to enhance transportation security. The TSA must also submit to Congress a strategy to guide operations of surface transportation security inspectors.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2018-03-22IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Senate
2018-03-22FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2018-03-22VoteOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 - 5 (Roll no. 126).House floor actions
2018-03-22FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1768-1769)House floor actions
2018-03-19FloorAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
2018-03-19FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5131.House floor actions
2018-03-19FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1669-1671; text: CR H1669-1670)House floor actions
2018-03-19FloorMr. Bacon moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
2018-03-19CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 458.House floor actions
2018-03-19CommitteeReported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 115-602.House floor actions
2018-03-07CommitteeOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.House committee actions
2018-03-07CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2018-02-27IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.House floor actions
2018-02-27IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Sponsor :

Bonnie Watson Coleman [D] (NJ-12)
See Cosponsors

Policy Area :

Transportation and Public Works
Related Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Advanced technology and technological innovations
  • Chemical and biological weapons
  • Computer security and identity theft
  • Congressional oversight
  • Firearms and explosives
  • Foreign and international corporations
  • Government information and archives
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
  • Motor carriers
  • Motor vehicles
  • Nuclear weapons
  • Performance measurement
  • Public-private cooperation
  • Public transit
  • Railroads
  • Right of privacy
  • Roads and highways
  • Small business
  • Technology assessment
  • Terrorism
  • Transportation employees
  • Transportation programs funding
  • Transportation safety and security
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations
  • Department of Homeland Security

Related Bills

See Related Bills