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Bill > S272


US S272

US S272
Strengthening American Transportation Security Act of 2017


summary

Introduced
02/01/2017
In Committee
02/01/2017
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018

Introduced Session

115th Congress

Bill Summary

Strengthening American Transportation Security Act of 2017 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the personnel system used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides insufficient workplace protections for its workforce and such personnel should be entitled to protections under the civil service system applicable to all federal employees. The bill repeals personnel authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Transportation governing the conditions of employment for TSA employees, thus making TSA employees subject to the personnel management system applicable to all other federal employees. Within 60 days after the enactment of this bill or an earlier date set by DHS: (1) all TSA personnel management policies, directives, letters, and guidelines and any DHS human resources management system shall cease to be effective with respect to TSA employees; and (2) TSA employees shall become subject to labor provisions applicable to other federal transportation employees. The bill sets forth transition rules that protect the pay rates and other rights of TSA employees. DHS shall consult with the labor organization certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority to carry out the conversion of TSA employees and positions to the civil service system. The provisions of this bill do not affect the prohibitions against disloyalty and asserting the right to strike against the federal government.

AI Summary

This bill aims to enhance the security operations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and provide more stability for the transportation security workforce. The key provisions are: 1. It terminates the TSA's personnel management system and makes TSA employees subject to the same civil service system applicable to other federal employees, providing them with greater workplace protections and rights, such as the ability to appeal adverse personnel decisions to the Merit Systems Protection Board, access to fair pay and performance appraisals, and protections against employment discrimination. 2. It includes transition rules to ensure that TSA employees do not face any reduction in their rate of pay or loss of other benefits and rights upon being converted to the civil service system. 3. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to consult with the exclusive representative (labor union) of TSA employees on the implementation of the conversion process, and to consider their views and recommendations. 4. It makes clear that the bill does not affect the existing prohibitions on federal employees engaging in disloyalty or striking against the government. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance the security and stability of the TSA workforce by providing them with the same personnel protections and rights as other federal civil servants.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (11)

Last Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (on 02/01/2017)

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