Transportation security : federal action needed to help address security challenges

mmpPDFResearch PaperGAO-03-843TransportationSecurityFederal government agenciesInteragency relationsRecommendationsUnited StatesUnited States. General Services AdministrationUnited States. Government Accountability OfficeNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-SAFETY AND SECURITYUS Transportation CollectionThe economic well being of the U.S. is dependent on the expeditious flow of people and goods through the transportation system. The attacks on September 11, 2001, illustrate the threats and vulnerabilities of the transportation system. Prior to September 11, the Department of Transportation (DOT) had primary responsibility for the security of the transportation system. In the wake of September 11, Congress created the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within DOT and gave it primary responsibility for the security of all modes of transportation. TSA was later transferred to the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The General Accounting Office (GAO) was asked to examine the challenges in securing the transportation system and the federal role and actions in transportation security. The GAO found the roles and responsibilities of TSA and DOT in securing the transportation system have not been clearly defined, which creates the potential for overlap, duplication, and confusion as both entities move forward with their security efforts. GAO recommends that DHS and DOT use a mechanism, such as a memorandum of agreement, to clarify and delineate DOTs and TSAs roles and responsibilities in transportation security matters. 6 Appendices, 7 tables,8 figures, 93 p