PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 18, 2009
Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing Act of 2009 or the COVERT Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security 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 an aviation screening assessment program of the Department of Homeland Security.
Directs the Secretary to study the impact of implementing covert testing procedures under this Act on the Department's 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 and Infrastructure Protection.
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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