Hearing: “Transportation Security: Are Our Airports Safe?”

Opening Statement
Chairman Jason Chaffetz

“Airport security is pivotal to our nation’s safety and security. We appreciate the thousands of men and women that serve at the TSA.”  

“One of the things that stuck out to me in the 9-11 Report is that often government lacks imagination. Terrorists and would-be nefarious characters who want to do harm will often be more creative than security personnel. It’s good that we hear a variety of perspectives. It requires that we have good communication between Congress and Homeland Security…specifically TSA.” 

“We had invited Mr. Carraway who is the Acting Administrator [for the TSA] to come before the Committee…”

“But, DHS objected to Mr. Ron’s [president of New Age Security Solutions Inc.] presence on this panel. They felt it was demeaning to have the Acting Administrator sit on the same panel as a non-government witness. That is absurd. That’s offensive. We don’t need two panels to have this discussion.” 

Opening Statement
Transportation and Public Assets Subcommittee Chairman John Mica

“We spend about $7 billion a year on TSA’s activities.”

“This report is an indictment of  the failure of TSA. Not just in one area, but in almost every area of their functions.”