Skip to main content

Transportation Security: Transportation Security Administration Has Strengthened Planning to Guide Investments in Key Aviation and Surface Transportation Security Programs, but More Work Remains

GAO-08-487T Published: May 13, 2008. Publicly Released: May 13, 2008.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

Since its inception, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has focused much of its efforts on aviation security, and has developed and implemented a variety of programs and procedures to secure commercial aviation. More recently, TSA has taken actions to secure the nation's surface transportation modes. TSA funding for aviation security has totaled about $26 billion since fiscal year 2004, and for surface transportation security activities, about $175 million since fiscal year 2005. This testimony focuses on TSA's efforts to secure the commercial aviation system-- through passenger screening, air cargo, and watch-list matching programs--and the nation's surface transportation modes. It also addresses challenges remaining in these areas. GAO's comments are based on GAO products issued from February 2004 through April 2008 including selected updates obtained in February through April 2008.

Full Report

GAO Contacts

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Aviation securityBaggage screeningCargo screeningCommercial aviationCost analysisCost controlHomeland securityInternal controlsPassenger screeningPolicy evaluationProgram evaluationProgram managementRail (Railroads)Rail securityRisk assessmentSecurity assessmentsSecurity regulationsStandardsStrategic planningTransportation costsTransportation industryTransportation safetyTransportation securityCost estimates