Measures Target TSA Personnel Issues

By: fedweek

The Senate in voting on the DHS 2008 appropriations bill (S-1644) adopted an amendment requiring a report to Congress on TSA’s pay system, including how the ratings break down in the system and the pay increases given at each level. The performance-based TSA system for screeners has been controversial since the agency was created five years ago with numerous special personnel authorities. Meanwhile, President Bush has signed a measure (P.L. 110-53) to implement recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, which includes language dropping the screener employment cap of 45,000. Earlier language in that measure that would have granted screeners many of the same union rights as other federal employees was dropped before final voting.