Homeland Security Today - Top Republican Questions TSA Success in New Procedures

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By Mickey McCarter

Given the public outcry over whole body imaging devices and enhanced pat downs, a top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee in the incoming Congress is questioning the effectiveness of those procedures in detecting dangerous items.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) has written to John Pistole, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to request briefings on whether or not the whole body imaging devices and pat downs have allowed transportation security officers (TSOs) to detect more concealed weapons or other contraband.

"TSA has spent billions of dollars on technology for security screening, yet there are still instances where travelers are able to bring prohibited items past security checkpoints," Bilirakis said in a statement. "This is unsettling and dangerous."

In a letter to Pistole dated Dec. 21, Bilirakis cited concerns that illegal items continue to slip through airport security checkpoints despite the introduction of stronger X-ray devices and enhanced pat downs. Specifically, he asked Pistole for briefings on the new procedures and the training that TOS receive to implement them.

"Considering the controversy surrounding the widespread deployment of advanced imaging technology (AIT) machines and TSA's new pat-down procedures, TSA needs to demonstrate its commitment to reducing the vulnerabilities identified in cover testing conducted by the Government Accountability Office and TSA's Office of Inspection," Bilirakis wrote.

"It is for this reason that I write to request a briefing to learn more about the additional training TSA has provided to TSOs to ensure they have the tools they need to protect the traveling public and stop individuals and items that would do us harm," added Bilirakis, who will serve as the new chairman of the Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications Subcommittee when Congress reconvenes Jan. 5.

The questions from Bilirakis continue a trend of high scrutiny in the House of TSA's new procedures since the Christmas Day bombing threat in 2009. While the Senate has held hearings on AIT and enhanced pat-downs at airport checkpoints, Senators have come away largely convinced by Pistole's assertions that the new procedures have been necessary and effective in adapting to terrorist tactics forwarded by al Qaeda in their attempts to attack US passenger air flights.

Although the House has not convened as many formal hearings on the matter, House Democrats and Republicans alike have expressed far more skepticism than their Senate counterparts as to whether these procedures are working and whether they are necessary given their burden on the traveling public.

Although Bilirakis does not specifically say he will call hearings on the new TSA procedures, his request for briefings indicates that he is interested in learning more about the matters to provide him with the background to make informed decisions on TSA's approach to defeating the evolving tactics of al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.

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