Recognizing November 19, 2019, as Transportation Security Administration Appreciation Day in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established after the terrorist airplane hijackings of September 11, 2001, by the

Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush on November 19, 2001

; and

WHEREAS, TSA workers protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce, both in the Philadelphia International Airport and across the United States; and

WHEREAS, TSA works collaboratively with a wide range of partners, such as aviation, surface transportation industry stakeholders, intelligence professionals, and law enforcement professionals; and

WHEREAS, More than 44,000 TSA officers screen over 2 million passengers, 1.3 million checked items, and 4.9 million carry-on items at more than 430 airports every day; and

WHEREAS, TSA workers in Philadelphia monitor airport activity for security threats on a daily basis, allowing people across the world to safely enter and exit the Greater Philadelphia Region; and

WHEREAS, TSA reports that the Philadelphia crew screened nearly 1.1 million passengers during the month of July, contributing to a record-setting month for the agency; and

WHEREAS, TSA workers remained unpaid during the government shutdown in January. Despite not being paid, many Philadelphia TSA workers showed up to the airport and prevented major flight delays, in contrast to a proliferation of delays across the country; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphians who work for the TSA deserve to be recognized for their extraordinary service during the January shutdown and for their dedication to the essential daily work at Philadelphia International Airport; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,

That November 19, 2019, be recognized as Transportation Security Administration Appreciation Day in the City of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Transportation Security Administration as evidence of the Council’s appreciation and esteem.

End