Alexandria, Va. – The Security Manufacturers Coalition (SMC) and Chairman Kevin Schmidt today released the following statement regarding the proposed Coronavirus Response Additional Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 that calls for $208,000,000 in funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.
“This issue already has strong bipartisan support, and now is the time to accelerate investments to support TSA’s goal of social distancing and reduced physical contact at security checkpoints,” said Chairman Kevin Schmidt. “Advanced screening technologies exist to not just protect the traveling public from terrorism, but to shield them from threats like COVID-19. We have these tools now, and support from Congress will allow us to implement them. The Senate’s stimulus proposal is a good first step toward this goal.”
SMC member companies are ready to work with TSA to deliver technologies that will help protect the American public and TSA officers from persistent terrorist threats and the invisible threat presented by COVID-19.
SMC Executive Director T.J. Schulz said: “We remain thankful for the dedication of TSA officials working on the front lines of the pandemic. Our airports are the gateway to the world and to economic progress. The SMC commends the Senate for the proposed legislation, and we will continue to work closely with all aviation sector stakeholders to overcome the current challenges and to get America flying again.”
The SMC recently released on a report, “Enhancing Security Effectiveness in a COVID-19 Contactless Environment”, that addresses the need for investments in next generation security technologies as a key part of efforts to get our country flying again and accelerate the post COVID-19 economy.
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