TWIC Hearing

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation conducted a hearing on implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. Chairman Inouye (D-HI) expressed concern about the extended delays in activation of the program. Vice-Chairman Stevens (R-AK) stated that congressional tolerance for further missed deadlines is waning. Mr. Kip Hawley, Administrator, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), provided an update on the TWIC program. He stated that TWIC enrollment will begin at select ports and will proceed throughout the nation over the next 18-24 months. RADM Brian Salerno, USCG discussed the Coast Guard’s efforts in the TWIC program. Mr. Norman J. Rabkin, Government Accountability Office (GAO), discussed the progress made and the challenges remaining for the TWIC program. Ms. Lisa B. Himber, Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, discussed the importance of adequate testing prior to full implementation of the TWIC program. She pointed out that there are still a number of unresolved issues. Mr. Paul Kaipo Pomaikai, Sr., Sause Brothers, discussed the barriers to entry posed by the TWIC rulemaking and the negligible security enhancement of having a TWIC card reader on every small commercial vessel. Mr. Michael Rodriquez, International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, recommended that the TWIC card be made compatible with the proven biometric technology developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), rather than adopting a unique and overly-complex system. Source: HK Law