One Hundeed Fourteenth Congress U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Washington, BO 20515 March 23, 2015 The Honorable Barack Obama President ‘The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW ‘Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr, President: Lam writing to express iy serious concerns about the absence of « nominated Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA provides vital security to our Nation’s critical transportation systems, and, with the myriad of threats facing transportation, leadership is needed to ensure Americans are protected. Former Administrator John Pistole brought decisive leadership and extensive counterterrorism experience 0 an agency that has been plagued with challenges conceming passenger priva employee vetting, screening effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement. However, since his retirement in 2014, TSA’s leadership has been in flux. With the potential proliferation of foreign fighters entering the United States and an ever-evolving threat landscape, ve that the TSA has the leadership necessary to confront such monumental challenges, is impera As Chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee on the House Committee on Homeland Security, I have a responsibility to ensure that the ‘TSA operates in the most efficient and effective manner possible, Ihave highlighted these priorities with two bills, the TSA Office of Inspection Accountability Act (ILR. 719) and the Airport Security Enhancement Act (LR 720), whieh have passed the House and the Senate commitiee of jurisdiction, 1 want to emphasize the importance of nominating an individual who provides the same dynamic leadership as former Adminisirator Pisiole and can take the agency into a future of intelligence- driven, responsible, risk-based seourity. In order to litigate these security threats, 1 urge you to promptly nominate a qualified indivicual to fill this important position. | look forward to working with whomever you choose to nominate.ohn Katka Chairman Subcommittee on Transportation Security Ce: The Honorable Jeh Johnsen Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security Weshingion, D.C. 20528