PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 14, 2011
Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing Act of 2011 or COVERT Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to make sure that advance notice of a covert test of a transportation security system is not provided to any individual (including any security screener) before completion of the test, except: (1) that such information may be provided to certain federal, state, and local government employees, officers, and contractors (including military personnel); and (2) an individual conducting such a test may disclose his or her status if a security screener or other non-covered employee identifies such tester as a potential threat.
Requires the head of each covert testing office to make sure that a covert testing person or group is accompanied by a cover team to monitor the test and confirm the identity of personnel involved. States, however, that a cover team is not required to be present during a test of the screening of persons or baggage at an aviation security checkpoint if the test: (1) is approved by the Federal Security Director for the airport, and (2) is administered under a DHS aviation screening assessment program.
Directs the Secretary to study the impact of implementing covert testing procedures under this Act on DHS efforts to improve transportation security.
People & committees
Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18] · D–NY
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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