Rep. Torres Praises Passage of Airport Security Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) applauded the passage of H.R. 720, the Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act. Torres was an original cosponsor of the legislation which is named after a TSA officer killed in the line of duty in a 2013 shooting at Los Angeles International Airport.

"Congress should do everything in its power to ensure tragedies like the horrific shooting at LAX are never repeated," said Torres. "The bill passed today will provide assurance to travelers that regardless of their destination within the U.S., each airport has the necessary procedures in place to quickly and adequately respond to dangerous situations and protect the lives of those in harm's way."

The Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act directs the Department of Homeland Security to ensure airports have in place individualized working plans for responding to security incidents inside an airport's perimeter. Currently, airports implement these plans on an ad-hoc basis and are inconsistent across airports.

"With my district home to Ontario International Airport, I recognize the vital need to protect the safety of those who travel by air, including the nearly 80 million passengers who travel through the Los Angeles area each year," continued Torres. "Our region is a major tourist destination, transit hub, and epicenter for international commerce. We are not only a target for those who wish to do this nation harm, but our economic well-being is dependent on our ability to instill confidence in those who travel to LA and the Inland Empire."

Rep. Torres represents California's 35^th congressional district and is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.