Analyst Brief September 14, 2026

H.R. 5109 — TWICE Act, as amended

Current Status

Suspend the Rules and Pass with Amendments

Executive Summary

The TWICE Act (H.R. 5109) directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop guidelines that improve access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program for 'returning citizens' (formerly incarcerated individuals). Currently, individuals leaving prison face significant bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining TWIC cards, which are essential for employment in secure maritime and transport facilities. By facilitating pre-application during incarceration and streamlining the appeals and waiver process for preliminary ineligibility, this bipartisan bill aims to reduce recidivism by connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with high-demand supply chain jobs.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA)

Bill Number

H.R. 5109

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA)
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Workforce & Supply Chain: Addresses critical labor shortages in the maritime and transportation sectors by expanding the pool of eligible, credentialed workers.
  • Criminal Justice Reform: Provides a tangible pathway to stable, well-paying employment for formerly incarcerated individuals, which is a proven method to reduce recidivism.
  • Bipartisan Appeal: Successfully merges conservative interests in workforce development and supply chain efficiency with progressive goals of criminal justice reform and rehabilitation.

Likely Supporters

Maritime employers and port authoritiesCriminal justice reform advocatesLabor unions (e.g., ILA, ILWU)Supply chain and logistics industry groups

Arguments Against

  • Security Concerns: Hardline security advocates may argue that easing access to secure port areas for individuals with criminal records poses a homeland security vulnerability.
  • Administrative Burden: Requires TSA to allocate resources to assist incarcerated individuals and process waivers, potentially straining an agency already managing complex security mandates.

Likely Opponents

Hardline national security groups

📋 Key Provisions

  • Mandates the TSA Administrator to develop guidelines within one year of enactment to improve TWIC program access for returning citizens.
  • Requires TSA to assist incarcerated individuals in pre-applying or preparing applications for TWIC cards.
  • Directs TSA to assist individuals in navigating appeals or waivers following a preliminary determination of ineligibility for a TWIC card.
  • Requires TSA to brief the House Homeland Security and Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committees on implementation within 180 days of developing the guidelines.
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Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 11

Requires TSA to develop guidelines within one year of enactment.

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"Not later than one year after the"

Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 18

Assists incarcerated individuals in pre-applying for TWIC cards.

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"assist individuals who are incarcerated"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 1

Requires a briefing to congressional committees within 180 days of guideline development.

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"Not later than 180 days after the de-"