The U.S. Congress has approved the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act establishing an Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to offer greater feedback on the development and implementation of policies, programs, rulemaking, and security directives.The Aeronautical Repair Station Association, working with Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), secured an amendment to the legislation during committee consideration, mandating “aeronautical repair stations” as ASAC members. Daniel Fisher, vice president of legislative affairs, told AIN, “Ensuring the aviation maintenance industry’s seat on the Aviation Security Advisory Committee is a huge victory for repair stations. With TSA’s implementation of the new repair station security rule continuing, repair station engagement with the agency is more important than ever. Inclusion on the ASAC is also indicative of the growing acknowledgment on Capitol Hill of the significant economic growth, job creation, and safety contributions of the aviation maintenance industry.” Prior to the amendment, many aviation stakeholders were given representation on the new ASAC, including labor unions, manufacturers, air carriers, and the aviation technology security industry. However, until now, the aviation maintenance industry had been omitted.