Lawmakers seek more precision in TSA’s terrorist watch list

Citing the detainment of frequent fliers with names similar to those of suspected terrorists, lawmakers Wednesday called for improvements in the Transportation Security Administration's terrorist watch list.

As more terrorists' identities emerge, the list is growing ever longer. Improved algorithms are needed to both narrow the search for potential hijackers and expedite the boarding process for scores of innocent passengers, according to several members of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment.

"If we're going to have a watch list that works," said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., "we should fine-tune it."

But several other subcommittee members argued that while the watch list is large, it remains important to the effort to keep known and suspected terrorists off aircraft.

Some members reserved their criticism for Secure Flight, a program to expedite screening for frequent fliers that aims to do exactly what lawmakers like Lofgren want -- protect innocent travelers while focusing on terrorists. According to Government Accountability Office reports, while up to $130 million has been spent on the program, it remains in development.

Lofgren was among several subcommittee members who called for further scrutiny of TSA's watch list program and Secure Flight. But the lawmakers did not offer a specific timeline for accomplishing this.

Earlier this year, TSA shelved the Secure Flight program for reassessment. A GAO investigator testified before the subcommittee that TSA has not provided enough data on the program, that it is currently inadequate and that key policy decisions must be made soon on its future. Incomplete data on the watch list and Secure Flight forces analysts to manually research some individuals on short notice. TSA has yet to say when the program might be revamped.

In a February report on Secure Flight, GAO said program managers need to determine what data will be used to identify potential terrorists. The report also said test runs must be completed before the program is initiated on a public level.

Lawmakers expressed frustration over Secure Flight's inability to gain traction and move beyond the development phase. They also highlighted complaints from constituents who, despite continued efforts and proven innocence, remain beleaguered by the watch lists whenever they try to board a flight.

"They have a lot more testing that they need to do," said Cathleen Berrick, director of GAO's homeland security and justice division.

"It's really hard getting [people] off this list," said Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y.

TSA officials recognized that Secure Flight needs tweaking before it can be implemented, but said maintaining a widespread yet very precise database is a challenge.

"Clearly, we do have room for improvement," said Bill Gaches, TSA's assistant administrator for intelligence. Gaches did not say when Secure Flight would be ready for testing; a TSA spokesman did not return calls seeking comment.