H.R. 5109 aims to require the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to create guidelines that would enhance access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program for returning citizens. This bill is likely intended to assist individuals who have previously been incarcerated in obtaining the necessary credentials to work in transportation-related jobs that require TWIC certification.
Supporters of H.R. 5109 have praised the bill for promoting inclusivity and providing former inmates with better opportunities for employment in the transportation sector. Advocates argue that improving access to the TWIC program is a crucial step in helping returning citizens reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism rates.
Critics of H.R. 5109 express concerns that easing access to the TWIC program for returning citizens could pose security risks in the transportation industry. Some commentators argue that the bill may undermine existing safety protocols by allowing individuals with criminal backgrounds to more easily obtain credentials necessary for sensitive transportation jobs.
The analysis of H.R. 5109, sponsored by Troy Carter, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donor industries, which are primarily health professionals and retired individuals. The bill focuses on improving access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program for returning citizens, a topic that does not directly relate to the interests of these donor industries. The total contributions from health professionals amount to $120 million, while retired individuals contributed $37.5 million, but neither group has a vested interest in transportation security or credentialing processes.
Additionally, while there is lobbying activity from companies such as Alibaba Group and Tencent America in the broader policy area, these entities do not appear to have a direct financial connection to the sponsor's donor base. The lobbying amounts are significant, with Tencent America contributing $200,000 and Alibaba Group $80,000, but these funds are not linked to Troy Carter’s campaign finances. Therefore, the risk of conflict of interest is low, as the financial motivations of the sponsor's donors do not intersect with the legislative intent of the bill.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| TENCENT AMERICA, LLC | BROWNSTEIN HYATT FARBER SCHRECK, LLP | $200,000 |
| ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED | BROWNSTEIN HYATT FARBER SCHRECK, LLP | $80,000 |
| B&H FOTO & ELECTRONICS CORP | STONINGTON GLOBAL | $75,000 |
| CTIA-THE WIRELESS ASSOCIATION | MINTZ LEVIN COHN FERRIS GLOVSKY AND POPEO, P.C. | $60,000 |
| NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE, LLC | NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE, LLC | $10,000 |
| SULLIVAN STRATEGIES OBO ODOT | COLUMBIA STRATEGIC COUNSEL | $10,000 |
| ACT FOR AMERICA | ACT FOR AMERICA | $10,000 |
| ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED | MERCURY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, LLC | undisclosed |
| TENCENT AMERICA LLC | MERCURY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, LLC | undisclosed |
| XTAR LLC | THE MADISON GROUP | undisclosed |
| ALLERGY & ASTHMA NETWORK | ALLERGY & ASTHMA NETWORK | undisclosed |
| ARDMORE CONSULTING GROUP, INC | BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| T-MOBILE USA, INC. | ALPINE ADVISORS | undisclosed |
| AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. | ALPINE GROUP PARTNERS, LLC. | undisclosed |
| PLAYPOWER, INC. | MILLER STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Troy Carter, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
