How biometrics can improve the security and efficiency of air travel

I’ve spent my career working to strengthen the security of our nation. First, as a federal organized crime prosecutor and then as a Member of Congress and leader on the House Homeland Security Committee focused on the security of our travel and transportation system. 

The reality is the United States remains a top target for terrorists and other bad actors. We must remain vigilant and prioritize security investments to adapt to the ever-evolving threat landscape.  

While serving as ranking member on the House Homeland Security Committee, I prioritized security-focused innovation and funding at the Department of Homeland Security while simultaneously pushing for government to ensure a more seamless and efficient travel system.

In many cases, increased security equates to unpleasant processes for the public, specifically the traveling public. While this tradeoff is important for the safety of our country, technological advancements have lessened the burden. The United States must continue to make the right investments and pursue innovations for better security and improved efficiencies. 

One of these investments is biometric identity verification, which offers opportunities to advance travel security and efficiency.

Recently, some in Congress have attempted to revert our security systems to pre-9/11 identity verification processes. By eliminating TSA’s ability to use state-of-the-art facial recognition technology, we weaken security at checkpoints nationwide. While we must ensure that biometric technology protects privacy and improves accuracy, abandoning this technology altogether would threaten our national security and set aviation screening back decades. 

And we know the American people strongly embrace biometric identity verification. According to a recent survey conducted by U.S. Travel Association and Ipsos, nearly 80% of Americans support the use of biometrics at TSA security checkpoints to confirm the identity of flyers.

While DHS continues to strengthen security through updated technology and systems, it cannot do it alone. Congress must also continue to properly invest taxpayer dollars in technology that raises security and improves efficiency. 

In a globally connected world, international partnerships are vital to improving security at home and abroad. If we can coordinate with our key allies on technology standards and security outcomes of our separate systems, it will unlock a new level of security effectiveness and efficiency for the United States. Numerous innovative initiatives are on the table – from increasing the limitations on liquids in carry-on bags, to modernizing Preclearance and international travel facilitation, to leveraging biometrics. 

Focusing on these key innovations and security-based solutions will enhance global security and make the U.S. more competitive. I am continuing to work on these important issues via US Travel's Commission on Seamless Secure Travel, which is focused on building a vision and recommending policies to increase U.S. competitiveness, improve government focus and coordination on travel issues and facilitate growth. We're expecting to share our final report to lawmakers this fall.

We have made great strides, but the work must always continue and evolve to keep this nation safe and our travelers secure. The potential improvements in operational efficiency and the traveler experience are intriguing, but the major upgrade in security both within the U.S. and around the world is what is most exciting. I look forward to what’s ahead.