currently there has been mentioned 16 airports in the sbp. as you may know and was noted i recently approved an application west yellowstone. if a contract for private screening is awarded the number will be 17. i've denied two applications that did not provide a clear and substantial advantage to the taxpayers and our ability to achieve our mission. given senate passage we will assess implications of the new law and direct appropriate resources to carry out an attempt for oversight and committees. thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. >> i think the gentleman, and i'll recognize myself first for questions and then we'll alternate side to side and members arrived. about four months ago i sent a letter to you. by the way, i'd like unanimous consent to offer that in the record. no objection, so ordered. i expressed my concern over the rule in the case of federal claims first line versus as and acal security, inc. i just submitted that. the curious thing about the the timing of it, came on your heels of your statement it does

they approve any sbp application that would not return -- they're concerned if an application is dnd. i'm pleased language similar in the bill recently passed the house. in addition the huge number of tsa personnel working in airports with private screeners troubles me. recent data provided reveal that is certainly airports where contractors do screening and tsa is there to oversee the screen process, there are upwards of 50 tsa employees on the payroll. while we can agree that strong oversight in this area is important, having 50-plus tsa officials in a single airport where they're not responsible for conducting screening is plain overkill and costing huge amounts of money. we will look at this issue and other contracting and management issues throughout the hearing. i look forward to all the witnesses and now recognize the ranking member the subcommittee, my friend, the gentlelady from texas for any opening statement she may have. >> thank you very much, mr. chairman. we worked on this committee because we have an unabiding commitment to the security of this nation. i'm delighted to