Report Exposes Problems With TSA PreCheck

Statement

Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement in response to a Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) report on the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program. The report, entitled "Allegation of Granting Expedited Screening through TSA PreCheck Improperly" (OIG-15-45) investigated a whistleblower allegation that a former member of a domestic terrorist group and convicted felon was cleared for PreCheck screening through the TSA's Secure Flight program.

"While I understand that expedited screening is an interest of the traveling public, it should not be employed at the expense of security. This new report comes just after a December Government Accountability Office report on PreCheck and problems with the managed inclusion program. Both these reports illustrate shortcomings with the methods TSA uses to identify low risk passengers and demand a legislative response. I am preparing legislation to ensure that the approach TSA uses to identify low-risk passengers does not create security gaps. This bill will be unveiled at the at our Committee's hearing on the PreCheck program on March 25."

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