Ditch TSA workers? Airports no longer allowed to 'opt out'

[liberal N proud]

The Transportation Security Administration has said it won’t allow any more airports to “opt out” and bring in private security contractors in place of the agency’s federal workers. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., who in the fall wrote a letter to 100 airports urging them to ditch TSA agents, said it is “unimaginable” that TSA would end “the most successfully performing passenger screening program we’ve had over the last decade.”

Despite staunch opt-out support from Mica — the new chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee — TSA Administrator John Pistole said Friday that he had reviewed the private contractor screening program as part of a more general review of TSA policies and decided not to expand the program beyond the current 16 airports because he did not see “any clear or substantial advantage to do so at this time.”

In a statement, Mica said, "I intend to launch a full investigation and review of the matter.”

Since the TSA was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, federal law has allowed airports the option of using private screeners. But few of the nation's roughly 460 commercial airports have done so.

Currently, San Francisco International, Kansas City International and 14 other airports use private contractors to screen airline passengers. Under the program, the private company conducts an airport’s passenger screening according to TSA’s rules and policies and under TSA supervision.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41391509/ns/travel-news/

[bluestateguy]

1. TSA is far from perfect, but we don't want to go back to private security companies

They care about the bottom line and profits before your security.

And their employees are a bunch of brainless losers.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

2. The TSA doesn't really care about security either.

It's all a facade. The only benefit as part of upholding that facade is that they have to confiscate a few guns and knives every once in awhile.

If I were on a no fly list, I guaruntee that I could get on a flight anywhere in the US in a matter of hours. TSA is a joke... and as of recently, a groping & rights-trampling joke.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. Private contractors, again. They are doing so well in this "terra terra" game.

We, the people? Not so much.