encourage the TSA to develop an enhanced "preferred traveler program."

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a "voluntary" passenger pre-screening initiative with a small known traveler population at four U.S. airports. The program will be open to "certain frequent flyers" at several domestic airports. Funding an undefined and limited "pilot program" is a gross waste of federal funds. Thousands of federal employees hold security clearances and possess security-enhanced identification badges that have been issued in accordance with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD12). If the Administration is truly interested in cost efficiencies, these employees (many of whom are frequent travelers) should be the basis of any pilot program undertaken by the TSA.