H.R. 2200 authorizes $7.6 billion for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in Fiscal Year 2010 and $8.1 billion in Fiscal Year 2011.  The bill also includes policy changes related to cargo and passenger screening, flight crew training, and surface transportation inspectors.  The following are the highlights:

Aviation Security:  H.R. 2200 extends TSA's deadline to establish a system to verify screening of all air cargo on in-bound foreign passenger flights by two years and addresses redundant inspections by multiple agencies of cargo on in-bound passenger aircraft.  The bill also prohibits employees or contractors of TSA, DHS, GAO, or other federal agencies from "tipping off"-providing notice-of information concerning a covert test or evaluation of transportation security. The bill also establishes a TSA training program for transportation security officers to update them on new screening procedures and technologies.

H.R. 2200 requires TSA to develop a biometric verification system to verify the identity and status of law enforcement officers flying while armed and authorizes up to $10 million for this system.  The legislation establishes an Ombudsman for the Federal Air Marshal Service to review and implement recommendations by GAO to improve morale, training, and quality of life of these Marshals.

The bill authorizes $10 million for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 for a grant program for measures to improve security at general aviation airports.  TSA would be required to develop a risk-based plan that identifies best practices for airport perimeter access controls at commercial service and general aviation airports.

Biometrics:  The bill requires the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program to evaluate biometric identifier access systems for individuals with access to secure areas of an airport.  $20 million is authorized to carry out this program in Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.

Canines:  H.R. 2200 increases the number of explosives detection canine teams devoted to surface transportation to 200 by the end of 2011. The bill authorizes $75,000 for each canine team deployed to transportation agencies eligible for assistance.  H.R. 2200 also extends the authorization of this program.  Additionally, the bill provides that not less than 250 canine teams be used for aviation security through 2011, though currently there are 549 canine teams dedicated to aviation-related screening.

Prohibition on Outsourcing: The bill prohibits the TSA from outsourcing the terrorist watch list, "no fly" list, and selectee list verifications to non-governmental entities.

Surface Transportation Security:  H.R. 2200 establishes a Surface Transportation Security Inspection Office to oversee surface transportation security officers and increases the number of these inspectors by 300 over two years.

Demonstration Projects:  The bill requires TSA to conduct emonstration projects to test and assess technologies for securing underwater tunnels and passenger rail systems from a terrorist attack involving improvised explosive devices.

SAFE Truckers:  The bill allows less-stringent background checks for truck drivers who do not carry security sensitive materials. Currently, truck drivers who do not carry these dangerous materials may be disqualified from jobs because they are subject to the same checks as drivers who transport "hazardous materials" which include soft drink syrups and paint.