Rep. Aderholt scolds TSA over budget proposal

Rep. Aderholt scolds TSA over budget proposal

Aderholt

   Rep. Robert Aderholt, chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on homeland security, on Tuesday criticized the Transportation Security Administration for trying to count an additional $590 million in unauthorized passenger user fees towards its fiscal year 2012 budget.
   The agency's efforts to address terrorist threats 'is undercut by the budgetary sleight-of-hand' that likely will not materialize in actual funding, he said.
   Last week, Aderholt faulted another Department of Homeland Security agency — Customs and Border Protection — for trying to include $55 million in new user fees from international passengers in its budget even though Congress has repeatedly opposed such increases.
   During a hearing on the TSA's budget, the Alabama Republican said the 'hypothetical offset' could affect programs because more than 10 percent of the TSA's budget is covered by money that will fail to materialize.
   'In this time of fiscal crisis, the first thing we need from the administration is truth in budgeting. Budget gimmicks like this do not cut it,' he told TSA Administrator John Pistole.
   'TSA's challenge, in the foreseeable future, is to realize the highest degree of security, at the lowest possible cost,' he said.
   The tough language is part of the Republican Party's strategy to enforce fiscal discipline after it gained control of the House in part because of voter frustration with the nation's burgeoning debt situation.

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   The Obama administration has requested $8.1 million for the TSA, a 6 percent increase above the level approved for this year. It includes a proposal to increase the $2.50 boarding fee for passengers by $1.50. The fee, which has not increased since the agency was formed after 9/11, would raise an additional $590 million that would substitute for taxpayer funding. The administration argues the money is needed because aviation security requirements have significantly expanded and to make those who benefit from the services pay more of the cost.
   The proposal assumes additional 50 cent and $1 increases in 2013 and 2014, respectively, for a total fee increase of $2.4 billion when fully implemented.
   The budget request includes $115 million for air cargo screening programs.
   Pistole said the agency has identified $152 million in efficiencies, including a $68 million reduction in administrative services and other non-mission critical contracts. ' Eric Kulisch