Dear Friend,

Addressing TSA's Growing Security Line Wait Times

Earlier this week, I introduced the Safe Convenient Reliable Efficient Effective Next-Generation Functional and Secure TSA (SCREEN FAST) Act, legislation that aims to ease the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines that are plaguing airports in Colorado, particularly Denver International Airport (DIA), and across the country.

I share frustration with Coloradans about growing security lines at DIA and airports across the country. The SCREEN FAST Act addresses TSA’s growing security lines and aims to find an innovative solution to streamline the security screening process so that it is more efficient, while also preserving the critical security function that must be incorporated into any legislative fix to TSA’s problem. I’m hopeful my colleagues will join me and support this commonsense legislation that would lead to a more effective TSA screening system and ultimately shorter airports security lines in Denver and throughout the country.

Read what CBS 4 Denver has to say about my legislation here or watch my short video here.

Keeping Coloradans Safe

Addressing Train Horn Noise in Northern Colorado

Earlier this week, I announced that Sarah Feinberg, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), will visit Colorado on June 17th. I formally invited Administrator Feinberg in December and in April to visit Colorado and meet with members of local communities to discuss the impact of train horn noise throughout the state.

In March, the FRA reopened the train horn rule for a public comment period of 120 days before the FRA will make a final decision on whether or not to change the existing rule. The current train horn rule went into effect in 2005, and has had a significant negative impact on Colorado communities.

I welcome Administrator Feinberg’s visit to Colorado and appreciate her willingness to meet with my constituents, particularly those on the Front Range, who are impacted by the FRA’s train horn noise regulation. As the FRA continues its retrospective review of the train horn rule, I urge the FRA to take into consideration the unique circumstances facing Colorado cities and towns with rail lines.

Countering Iran's Ballistic Missile Program

I joined Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) in introducing an amendment to the NDAA that sanctions individuals who directly or indirectly contribute to Iran’s ballistic missile program as well as entities controlled by Iran’s key ballistic missile organizations.

The President’s deal with Iran has empowered a murderous regime that continues to threaten our closest ally, Israel, and demonstrate that it is determined to achieve a nuclear bomb. Instead of reportedly sweetening sanctions relief, the Obama Administration must make good on its promise to use the tools at its disposal to react to Iran’s bad behavior. This amendment follows multiple ballistic missile tests from Iran, and sanctions individuals connected to Iran’s ballistic missile program with the goal of changing the behavior of both those who contribute directly and indirectly to Iran’s nefarious activities. I’ll continue to work to strengthen sanctions against the regime, and protect our friends in Israel. Learn more here.

Supporting Cheyenne Mountain

Another NDAA amendment I introduced expresses that Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station (CMAFS) is an indispensable national security asset that is essential to the defense of North America.

The Cheyenne Mountain facility has played an essential role in our country’s national defense for decades. My amendment recognizes that Cheyenne Mountain is an asset to Colorado and North America and celebrates the facility’s contributions to protecting the homeland for the past 50 years. I will continue to do everything I can to support the base as well as the service members and civilians who work at Cheyenne Mountain.

Paving the Way for New Development of Commerce City

My Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge amendment to the NDAA would remove deed restrictions, which currently prohibit the development of things like transportation infrastructure, retail and housing properties, on land that Commerce City, CO purchased in the 2000s. 

The land was formerly a U.S. Army chemical weapons manufacturing facility, but has since been cleaned up and a Wildlife Refuge was established. My amendment would change current law to allow restrictions on the deed to be removed or modified if a risk assessment conducted under federal environmental law proves that the property is safe for development. Similar language authored by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) was included in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act. 

Commerce City should have the authority to fully develop the land it purchased nearly a decade ago to boost its local economy and retain and attract residents to the community.

Meeting with Major General Tony Cotton

I met with Major General Tony Cotton, Commander of the 20th Air Force at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base and his staff. Major General Cotton oversees our nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile force and plays a major role in our nation’s defense. We discussed how we need to prioritize the modernization of our missile systems to deter foreign threats. I’m grateful for the Major General's service and thank all of our men and women in uniform for their devotion to our country.

Thank you for taking the time to read my weekly update. If I can be of any assistance to you, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-5941.

Sincerely,

Cory Gardner

United States Senator

Unsubscribe