What changed between these versions
A small clarification. v2 refines the definition of "Trusted Traveler Program" in Section 2(4) by providing a specific, enumerated list of programs, replacing a general description. Additionally, Section 3(b)(1) was modified to strengthen and clarify the prohibition against Members of Congress bypassing standard security screenings.
Overview
A handful of targeted changes. · v2 clarifies and tightens the operative language, particularly regarding definitions and the scope of prohibited actions, without altering the bill's core policy direction.
The primary change in v2 is the expansion and clarification of the "Trusted Traveler Program" definition in Section 2(4), moving from a general description to a detailed list of specific programs and criteria. Additionally, Section 3(b)(1) was refined to explicitly state that Members of Congress "shall not be exempt from Federal passenger and baggage screening procedures," strengthening the original prohibition against bypassing standard procedures. These changes enhance the precision of the bill's language while maintaining its original intent to prohibit preferential airport screening for Members of Congress.
Modifications
Provides a clearer, more exhaustive list of what constitutes a "Trusted Traveler Program" for the purposes of the Act, reducing ambiguity and ensuring consistent application across various programs. This explicitly includes TSA PreCheck, which was not directly mentioned in the v1 description.
Before
Defined "Trusted Traveler Program" as a voluntary program of the Department that allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection to expedite clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States.
After
Defines "Trusted Traveler Program" by enumerating specific programs such as Global Entry, The PreCheck Program, SENTRI, and NEXUS, and includes broader categories for other United States Government programs that issue unique identifiers for low-risk populations, or programs implemented by the Transportation Security Administration under section 109(a)(3) of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act.
The change from "may not" to "shall not" reinforces the mandatory nature of the prohibition. The new phrasing "be exempt from Federal passenger and baggage screening procedures" more precisely defines the prohibited action, ensuring that Members of Congress are subject to the same screening requirements as the general public, including baggage screening.
Before
Stated that a Member of Congress "may not bypass standard screening procedures of the Transportation Security Administration."
After
States that a Member of Congress "shall not be exempt from Federal passenger and baggage screening procedures of the Transportation Security Administration."