Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing Act of 2008
Latest action (18 Jun 2008): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
Generate a neutral, plain-English explanation of what this bill does, who it affects and what happens next — grounded in the official text.
Official summary
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 5, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing Act of 2008, or the COVERT Act of 2008 - Amends the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to make sure that advance notice of a covert test of a transportation security system is not provided to any individual (including any security screener) before completion of the test, except: (1) that such information may be provided to certain federal, state, and local government employees, officers, and contractors (including military personnel); and (2) an individual conducting such a test may disclose his or her status if a security screener or other non-covered employee identifies such tester as a potential threat.
Requires the head of each covert testing office to make sure that a covert testing person or group is accompanied by a cover team to monitor the test and confirm the identity of personnel involved. States, however, that a cover team is not required to be present during a test of the screening of persons or baggage at an aviation security checkpoint if the test: (1) is approved by the Federal Security Director for the airport; and (2) is administered under an aviation screening assessment program of the Department of Homeland Security.
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to study and report to Congress on the impact of implementing covert testing procedures under this Act on the Department's efforts to improve transportation security.
Timeline
18 Jun 2008
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
20 May 2008
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5909 do?
- (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 5, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing Act of 2008, or the COVERT Act of 2008 - Amends the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to make sure that advance notice of a covert test of a transportation security system is not provided to any individual (including any security screener) before completion of the test, except: (1) that such information may be provided to certain federal, state, and local government employees, officers, and contractors (including military personnel); and (2) an individual conducting such a test may disclose his or her status if a security screener or other non-covered employee identifies such tester as a potential threat. Requires the head of each covert testing office to make sure that a covert testing person or group is accompanied by a cover team to monitor the test and confirm the identity of personnel involved. States, however, that a cover team is not required to be present during a test of the screening of persons or baggage at an aviation security checkpoint if the test: (1) is approved by the Federal Security Director for the airport; and (2) is administered under an aviation screening assessment program of the Department of Homeland Security. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to study and report to Congress on the impact of implementing covert testing procedures under this Act on the Department's efforts to improve transportation security.
- Has H.R. 5909 become law?
- Not yet. As of 18 Jun 2008, H.R. 5909 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 5909?
- H.R. 5909 was sponsored by Rep. Nita Lowey [D-NY17, 2013-2020] (Democrat-NY), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5909?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (18 Jun 2008).
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