Press Releases
TSA Commuting Fairness Act, First Bill Introduced by Congressman Kennedy, Approved In House
Washington, DC,
December 20, 2024
Will Ensure Hardworking Transportation Security Administration Workers Are Compensated for Commutes Between Airport Parking Lots & Duty Stations WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the final statement after the House of Representatives approved H.R. 8662, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act (H.R. 8662). “Today, Congress averted a catastrophic government shutdown that would have forced our TSA agents to work without pay,” said Congressman Kennedy. “On top of that, the House passed my bill to lay the groundwork for TSA employees to be paid during often long commutes from airport parking lots, bus, and transit stops. I’m proud of my work to help ensure TSA agents receive pay for their work and have fairer working conditions.” The measure, which was the first bill introduced by Rep. Kennedy in the House, addresses the long and uncertain on-site commutes many Transportation Security Administration employees face by directing a study to determine the feasibility and methods of allowing TSA officers, working at airport locations across the country, to clock into the job from a mobile device using location technology while traveling from airport parking lots, bus, and transit stops to their designated duty location within the airport. During debate for the TSA Commuting Fairness Act, Rep. Kennedy said in part, “Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees face some unique challenges when commuting to work, however. Many employees find housing they can afford far from airports, leading to long commutes with limited public transit options and heavy traffic. Upon arrival at the airport, employees often must park in an employee lot and wait for irregular shuttles to bring them to the airport terminal, where they may have to walk a long distance to the security checkpoint to clock in for work. According to the Government Accountability Office, TSOs have reported that just getting from the parking lot to the checkpoint to clock in for work can take as long as 45 minutes. If these hardworking civil servants are just a few minutes late to clock in, they can face discipline and punishment. My bill, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act, would help provide fairer conditions for these employees as they commute to work to secure our transportation systems.” “TSA employees deserve fair compensation for their time on airport property,” said American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100 President Hydrick Thomas. “Congressman Kennedy’s legislation is an important step in ensuring that our 45,000 members are made whole for their on-site commutes. Our members keep our skies safe each and every day and deserve to be recognized for their hard work.” The bill was led through the House Committee on Homeland Security by Congressman Kennedy on June 12, 2024. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration and approval. ### |