Contact Congress about H.R. 5109: 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.

People leaving prison could start preparing for a TWIC card before they get out. TSA would also have to make the appeal and waiver steps easier to understand, while keeping current security checks in place.

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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. is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Latest action on H.R. 5109: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people with criminal records who want jobs that require a TWIC card, especially people leaving prison. It also affects TSA, prisons, jails, port employers, and maritime businesses that rely on workers who can enter secure areas.

Why this matters: Many port jobs require a TWIC card, so delays or confusion can block people from work after prison. This bill tries to make the process clearer before release and after an early denial. It could help some people pursue lawful work sooner. The actual impact would depend on how TSA writes the guidelines and how prisons use them.

Key provisions in H.R. 5109

• TSA would have to write guidelines to help people with criminal records use the TWIC program. That includes people leaving prison and returning to the community.
• TSA would have to help people in federal, state, and local prisons pre-apply or get TWIC applications ready before release.
• TSA would have to explain how people can appeal or ask for a waiver after TSA first says they may not qualify for a TWIC card.
• TSA would have one year after the bill becomes law to finish these guidelines.
• TSA would have to brief Congress within one year on what it has done to improve access to the TWIC program.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5109

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 5109

What is H.R. 5109?

People leaving prison could start preparing for a TWIC card before they get out. TSA would also have to make the appeal and waiver steps easier to understand, while keeping current security checks in place.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 5109?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 5109?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 5109 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.