1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Transportation Security Administration Ombudsman Act of 2017 . 2. Transportation Security Administration ombudsman office (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 449 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 44947. Ombudsman (a) In general (1) Establishment There is established an Office of the Ombudsman in the Transportation Security Administration. (2) Ombudsman (A) In general The Office shall be under the direction of the Ombudsman of the Transportation Security Administration, who shall be appointed by the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of the Secretary of Homeland Security. (B) Qualifications An individual appointed as the Ombudsman must have expertise in— (i) labor and employment relations with Federal agencies; and (ii) dispute resolution. (C) Notification of Appointment and removal The Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security shall notify the appropriate congressional committees within 30 days after the effective date of any of the following actions: (i) The appointment of an individual as Ombudsman. (ii) The reappointment as Ombudsman of an individual who is serving as Ombudsman. (iii) The removal of an individual from the position of Ombudsman. (3) Ensuring independence of Ombudsman (A) In general The Ombudsman shall report— (i) to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration