WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 5109 · 119th Congress

Transportation Worker Identification Credential Efficiency Act

Passed HouseTransportation and Public Works
IntroducedSep 3, 2025
Passed HouseSep 16, 2026
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Sep 16, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

What it does

Sourced

This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop guidelines to improve access to a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) for prisoners prior to their release.

Specifically, TSA must develop guidelines to assist individuals in federal, state, and local prisons in (1) pre-applying or preparing an application for a TWIC card; and (2) requesting an appeal or waiver of a preliminary determination of ineligibility for a TWIC card.

As background, a TWIC card is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of U.S. maritime facilities and vessels. TSA conducts a background check to determine a person’s eligibility and issues the credential.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Sep 3, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Sep 16, 2026The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  2. Sep 16, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  3. Sep 16, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5896)House floor actions
  4. Sep 16, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.Library of Congress
  5. Sep 16, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5109.House floor actions
  6. Sep 16, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5896-5898)House floor actions
  7. Sep 16, 2026Mr. Van Epps moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
  8. Sep 16, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Senate
  9. Sep 15, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 725.House floor actions
  10. Sep 15, 2026Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-827.House floor actions
  11. Sep 15, 2026Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-827.Library of Congress
  12. Jun 24, 2026Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 0.House committee actions
  13. Jun 24, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
  14. Jun 24, 2026Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security DischargedHouse committee actions
  15. Sep 4, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.House committee actions
  16. Sep 3, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.House floor actions
  17. Sep 3, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  18. Sep 3, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

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Cosponsors

  • Mike Ezell R-MS-4
  • Lizzie Fletcher D-TX-7
  • Daniel S. Goldman D-NY-10
  • Clay Higgins R-LA-3
  • Morgan Luttrell R-TX-8
  • August Pfluger R-TX-11
  • Bennie G. Thompson D-MS-2