Rep. Jackson Lee wants to strengthen the Federal Air Marshal Service

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

A bill has been introduced in the House to increase the number of federal air marshals by 1,750 positions, train new recruits in criminal investigative techniques and establish an ombudsman responsible for improving morale, training and quality of life within the Federal Air Marshal Service.

The bipartisan measure, H.R. 5750, is sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and cosponsored by Rep. Charles Dent (R-PA).

“The goal of this Act is to increase the number of inbound flights with Federal air marshals onboard while maintaining Federal air marshal presence on domestic point-to-point flights at or above the level as of December 25, 2009,” says the bill’s language.

The measure, known as the FAMS Augmentation Act of 2010, was introduced on July 15 and referred to the House Homeland Security Committee.

It calls for the Assistant Secretary of DHS in charge of the Transportation Security Administration to add another 1,750 marshals above the number of marshals employed as of January 31, 2010.

It also says that new federal air marshals must complete a “criminal investigative training program” at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) as part of their basic training. The bill says $3 million will be allocated for such training in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.

The legislation would also establish an Office of the Ombudsman within the Federal Air Marshal Service that would help implement recommendations issued by the Inspector General of DHS and the Comptroller General. Another $1 million would be allocated for this purpose in 2011 and 2012.