On Agreeing to the Amendment

Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act of 2020

This bill modifies the workplace rights, protections, and benefits applicable to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel.

Specifically, the bill

• within 180 days, eliminates personnel authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Transportation governing the conditions of employment for TSA employees, thus making TSA employees subject to the personnel management system applicable to other federal employees;
• sets forth transition rules that protect the pay rates, leave rights, and other rights of TSA employees;
• requires DHS to consult with the labor organization certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority to carry out the conversion of such positions;
• does not affect the prohibitions against disloyalty and asserting the right to strike against the federal government;
• expresses the sense of Congress that the personnel system used by the TSA provides insufficient benefits and workplace protections for its workforce and such personnel should be provided protections and benefits under the civil service system applicable to all federal employees;
• directs the TSA to consult with public and private entities associated with the Federal Air Marshal Service to address concerns regarding federal air marshals, including mental health and suicide rates;
• prohibits TSA employees from using or installing the social media video application TikTok on U.S. government-issued mobile devices;
• requires DHS to prioritize the hiring of veterans, including disabled veterans; and
• directs the TSA to ensure its employees are provided proper guidance regarding prevention and protections against the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19).