Nashville Standard

House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green and Representative Carlos Gimenez have called for a comprehensive review of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) use of biometric identification and artificial intelligence technologies. The request was made to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess the cost-effectiveness, operational impact, and privacy safeguards associated with these technologies.

In their letter to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, Green and Gimenez emphasized the importance of verifying passenger identities with greater accuracy and speed. They noted that TSA could explore additional biometric systems capable of analyzing unique biological and behavioral characteristics, potentially reducing reliance on physical documents and streamlining checkpoint processes.

The representatives highlighted the potential benefits of AI-driven technologies in enhancing TSA's threat detection capabilities, optimizing staffing levels, and minimizing human error. They stressed the need for these investments to provide a meaningful return while protecting traveler privacy and complying with federal data protection regulations.

The letter also referenced a previous GAO report from April 2024 titled "Biometric Identification Technologies: Considerations to Address Information Gaps and Other Stakeholder Concerns." The requested review aims to further evaluate TSA's current and planned biometric initiatives concerning their financial impact, operational outcomes, and potential privacy risks.