Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security introduced H.R. 5982, The Biometric Enhancement and Airport-Risk Reduction (BEAR) Act of 2008. The legislation enhances previous aviation security efforts by ensuring proper introduction of biometric identification credentials to airport workers.

The bill would require the Transportation Security Administration to study existing and proposed biometric security programs at airports, to study how airports can transition to standards-based interoperable biometric systems and to submit to Congress a breakdown on best practices for issuing biometric credentials for airport employees.

“This bill is an innovative approach towards legislating smart security, it ensures there is a comprehensive plan in place before airports begin using biometric identification for its workers,” said Chairman Thompson.