Senator Schumer Urges TSA to Increase Use of SureScan Expertise

  August 6, 2015 –Senator Schumer's Press Release.

IN MEETING WITH NEW TSA ADMINISTRATOR, SCHUMER URGES FEDS TO INCORPORATE SURESCAN CORPORATION INTO EFFORTS TO IMPROVE AIRPORT SECURITY – SENATOR SAYS SOUTHERN TIER COMPANY’S TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND INVOLVEMENT WITH TSA WOULD IMPROVE AIRPORT SCREENING PROCEDURES & CREATE JOBS IN THE SOUTHERN TIER

Earlier This Year, Media Reports Cited a New TSA “Red Team” Report Suggesting Agents Failed to Uncover 67 Out of 70 Threats at Airports Across the Country; In Response, Senator Pushed for a Full Review of Comprehensive Screening Processes to Ensure Any & All Issues Are Addressed

Schumer Met With New TSA Administrator Neffenger to Push for the Involvement of Southern Tier Company, SureScan, In Efforts to Overhaul & Review Processes – SureScan Is Developer of Highly Effective Checked Baggage Screening Solution 

Schumer: Include SureScan In Efforts To Better Ways to Improve Screenings & Closing Loopholes in Nation’s Security System

In a meeting with newly sworn-in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator Peter Neffenger, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the federal agency to incorporate SureScan, a Binghamton-based company, into its efforts to overhaul our nation’s airport security systems. Schumer explained that he previously urged the TSA to complete an overhaul of employee training procedures and a review of airport security measures following a TSA “Red Team” report that revealed agents failed to uncover 67 out of 70 threats at airports across the country. Following his push, the TSA heeded his call and is working to conduct a review of screening equipment and its effectiveness with industry stakeholders. Now, Schumer is urging the TSA to incorporate SureScan in that industry stakeholder discussion and other TSA efforts surrounding ways to improve airport screenings and security measures following this assessment. Schumer is pushing for SureScan to be included in these discussions because it is the developer and manufacturer of the TSA Certified x1000, a new, innovative checked baggage screening solution designed to increase security in domestic and international airports while simultaneously lowering the total cost of ownership. Schumer said SureScan, as the creator of this next generation scanning technology, should have a seat at the table when it comes to efforts that will help to keep travelers safe.

“SureScan’s development of the next generation checked baggage screening device has truly proven that this company is capable of developing the kinds of cutting-edge equipment needed to keep our travelers safe. That is why I am urging the new TSA administrator to include SureScan in its discussion about how to close major loopholes in our nation’s security system by overhauling screening procedures. As the developer of the exact kinds of screening systems airports across this country should be using, SureScan deserves a seat at the table. I will continue to work hard to make sure the TSA leaves no stone unturned when it comes to airport security and includes SureScan in these efforts,” said Schumer.

Each day, TSA screens about 1.8 million airline passengers and about 1.2 million checked bags and the effectiveness of individual pieces of equipment is critical to that process. A “Red Team” test from earlier this year determined that 67 out of 70 threats failed to be detected across the country. Following this report, Schumer said that a review of TSA employee procedures is needed. In January, a groundbreaking investigation conducted by District Attorney Ken Thompson identified major weaknesses in the airport screening system, when an employee simply brought bags of weapons through the employee entrances and into the secure areas of the airport. At New York area airports, employees are physically screened in some cases, but not in every instance - the rules vary by employee and terminal.  Ironically, the TSA does require that flight crew and pilots be screened.

Schumer has long been an advocate of the contribution a solution like the SureScan x1000 could make to the world of aviation security and threat detection. In 2010, Schumer visited SureScan in Endicott to examine the company’s new, emerging scanning technology. During his visit, Schumer called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide more funding for research and development as well as ensure that companies like SureScan have the resources needed to promote new forms of innovation and enhanced aviation safety measures. In 2010, Schumer urged President Obama to devote a significant amount of the $1 billion in federal funds to be set aside for security improvements at airports to research and development, to ensure that we have the most cutting edge and effective technology.

Schumer has also worked to raise the profile of the SureScan x1000 and increase funding opportunities to support acquisition of technologies like it. In 2008, Schumer supported a $5 million procurement opportunity for the development and optimization of x1000 for the TSA, and worked to keep the company in the conscience of key decision makers like TSA heads and the Secretary of DHS. Schumer visited the facility in 2003, 2008 and 2010, met with local leaders and even brought a head of procurement from TSA to tour facility.