Funding Diversions Will Push Biometrics Program to 2049, Says TSA Head

“However, with more dedicated funding, the TSA could expedite the process and complete it by the end of this decade.”

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is facing significant delays in deploying facial recognition technology across U.S. airports due to the diversion of critical funding.

During a recent hearing with the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, TSA Administrator David Pekoske revealed that, without a change in funding allocation, it would take until 2049 to fully implement the technology. Pekoske underscored the importance of face biometrics in enhancing checkpoint screening efficiency but asserted that the agency’s current financial resources are insufficient.

Pekoske highlighted that with the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget of $9 million, the project’s completion timeline extends to 2049. However, with more dedicated funding, the TSA could expedite the process and complete it by the end of this decade.

The TSA began integrating facial recognition technology in 2022 as an enhancement to its Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) devices, comparing real-time photos of travelers to their government-issued IDs. The biometric technology is currently operational at over 80 airports, with plans to expand to more than 400.

The funding challenge stems from the diversion of the 9/11 security fee, initially intended to support aviation security, but a significant portion of which has been redirected to deficit reduction since the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. Pekoske pointed out that last fiscal year, $1.6 billion was diverted away from TSA, hindering its ability to enhance security measures. Lawmakers have criticized the diversion, noting that while recent appropriations have partially restored funds to the Department of Homeland Security, it remains insufficient.

The current diversion of security fee revenue is set to expire at the end of fiscal year 2027. Pekoske said that if Congress does not extend this diversion, the TSA could complete the identity verification project by 2033.

Despite the TSA’s advocacy for the security benefits of facial recognition technology, there is ongoing concern among some lawmakers and privacy advocates. A recent bipartisan effort to pause the deployment of this technology at new airports did not gain traction in Congress.

Source: NextGov

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May 17, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy