Letter to John Pistole, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration - Transportation Security Officers

Letter

Dear Administrator Pistole:

As you noted recently on Good Morning America, evolving terrorist tactics coupled with the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) poor results on covert testing over the past several years, and instances where traveling passengers brought prohibited items, such as firearms, through screening checkpoints prompted you to enhance the passenger screening protocols employed Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).

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 covert testing conduct by the Government Accountability Office and TSA's Office of Inspection. 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. In addition, I would like detail on the impact these enhanced screening protocols and training have had on TSOs' ability to identify and stop dangerous and prohibited items from passing through the security checkpoint.

Thank you for your consideration of my request. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Ms. Kerry Kinirons of the Republican Staff to he Committee on Homeland Security at 202-226-8417. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your staff to ensure the safety and security of the Nation's traveling public.

Sincerely,
Gus M. Bilirakis
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight

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