Biometric identification cards could be mandated for airport workers next, if legislation introduced in the House last week becomes law.

The Biometric Enhancement and Airport-Risk Reduction Act of 2008, introduced by Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., would require the Transportation Security Administration to study and provide a report to Congress on the matter.

"This is … about helping us build upon smart, efficient, and effective airport security measures needed to secure Americans and protect a vital industry to our economy and resiliency," Thompson, the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee said.

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, a biometric identification card for port and maritime workers, has been beset with controversy and delay. The deadline requiring port, and other, workers to obtain the card was recently extended to April 15, 2009.

Ari Natter / Traffic World