Thompson Statement on TSA Policy Change for Prohibited Items
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the Transportation Security Administration's announcement today of a policy change for prohibited items:
I am very concerned by TSA's decision to modify its prohibited items list and allow knives and other carry-ons that can be used as weapons through airport security. Although TSA maintains that box cutters and large knives will continue to be prohibited, it appears that this policy decision has been made without the consultation of one of the most affected populations: the flight attendants. Passengers are now subject to adhere to individual and potentially contradictory airline policy on such carry-on items. Developing policies in a vacuum that will impact millions of passengers and critical stakeholders is a disservice to the American public. Which is why I have always championed stakeholder participation across aviation security policies, particularly through existing mechanisms such as TSA's Aviation Stake holder Advisory Committee. I urge Administrator Pistole to seek the input of TSA's ASAC before implementing this policy.
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