To require the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration of the United States to develop guidelines to improve returning citizens’ access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program, to assist individuals in custody of Federal, State, and local prisons in pre-applying or preparing applications for Transportation Worker Identification Credential cards, and to assist individuals requesting an appeal or waiver of preliminary determination of ineligibility, and for other purposes.
Key claim: HR5109 would require TSA to develop guidelines improving returning citizens’ access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, including pre-application assistance for incarcerated individuals and support for appeals of ineligibility determinations.
Abstract
(HR5109 · 119th Congress) Latest action (2026-06-24): Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 0.
Why this matters
TWIC cards are required for unescorted access to secure maritime and port facilities, making them a gateway to a significant category of transportation and logistics jobs. By codifying pre-application assistance during incarceration and structured appeal/waiver support, the bill targets two common friction points — document gathering and disqualifying-offense determinations — that disproportionately screen out returning citizens from federally regulated employment.