Alliance Expresses Strong Support for Mica Amendment

June 3, 2009

The Honorable John Mica
2313 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Ranking Member Mica:

We are writing to express our strong support for your proposed amendment to H.R 2200, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act, which would more clearly delineate the basis upon which TSA can issue regulations and security directives.  

The Alliance and its over 4,000 members, which represent a diverse cross-section of our nation’s rural, farming and small business economy, strongly support a practical, risk-based approach to securing our national transportation system.  Like many organizations and businesses, we are concerned that the current TSA security directive process can often result in significant economic and regulatory impacts on our members and have unforeseen consequences when fully implemented.

The general aviation community, along with those that depend upon it as a vital lifeline, have always been at the forefront of keeping our skies and our communities safe.  Your amendment would allow the TSA to tactically respond to imminent threats while ensuring that such emergency measures are being implemented within the framework of the Administrative Procedure Act which allows for proper review and stakeholder input.

We thank you for your efforts on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Joe McLean
Executive Director
www.aviationacrossamerica.org