Some international passengers could bypass the new security check during a layover at US airports as part of a pilot program advancing in Congress.

The proposal is under consideration by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Wednesday as lawmakers seek to encourage the return of tourism now that the U.S. is reopened to vaccinated foreigners. The House passed a bill (HR4094) to set up a similar pilot program in September.

TSA is currently needed to screen passengers and their baggage upon arrival on international flights to the United States before boarding a connecting flight. Assisted by airports and airlines, the pilot could free up screening resources when the journey begins, making the process easier for passengers.

Photo: Elijah Nouvelage / Bloomberg

Passengers wait in lines to pass a TSA checkpoint at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on April 7, 2021.

the pilot is considered part of the legislation (P. 3375To promote travel and tourism in the U.S. It would also set up an assistant secretary for travel and tourism in the Department of Commerce, set up a task force to look at the impact of the pandemic on air travel, and set visiting destinations for international travelers to the U.S. It would also initiate a study on the use of dogs to detect Covid-19, including at airports.

The control pilot would authorize the Transportation Security Administration to allow passengers at six international airports to skip the new domestic security check. The international airports to be determined would have to have agreements with the TSA that prescribe comparable security standards.

The house’s move was supported by industry associations, including Airlines for America, Airports Council International-North America, and the American Association of Airport Executives.

End of US travel ban urges new tourism laws

Lawmakers held a subcommittee hearing in September to hear stakeholders on the bill after the White House announced that the U.S. would allow most foreign air travelers to enter the country as long as they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

“The travel and tourism industries, which are vital to the economy and workforce of every state, still need significant help,” Sen said. Jacky roses (D-Nev.), Who chairs the Tourism, Commerce and Export Promotion Trade Subcommittee, said during the hearing. “I’m happy to announce that help is on the way.”

To contact the reporter about this story: Lillianna Byington in Washington at lbyington@bloombergindustry.com

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Sarah Babbage at the sbabbage@bgov.com; Robin Meszoly at the rmeszoly@bgov.com