Process to Allow Private Contractor Airport Screeners to End

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement in response to the Transportation Security Administration's decision to stop accepting new applications for the Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which allows airports to have private contractor screeners and opt-out of using TSA screeners:

I commend Administrator Pistole for this decision which will ensure that TSA is a broad and integrated network charged with securing the Nation's aviation sector. Given that security at the handful of airports that have 'opted out' of the system is no more effective or cost-efficient than at all the other US airports, ending the acceptance of new applications for the program makes sense from a budgetary and counterterrorism perspective.

#   #   # 

Media Contact: (202) 225-9978

• Print
• Email
• Tweet