Rep. Bilirakis Requests Info on TSA Security Lapses

Press Release

Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) this week sent a letter to Transportation Security Administration Administrator John Pistole requesting more information on the effectiveness of TSA security screening checkpoints.

Recent reports indicate that there have been numerous incidents of illegal items going undetected and slipping through security checkpoints. Bilirakis, the top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee's Management, Investigations, and Oversight Subcommittee, is calling for briefings to determine the prevalence of these security lapses and the steps necessary to stop the problem.

"TSA has spent billions of dollars on technology for security screening, yet there are still instances where travelers are able to bring prohibited items past security checkpoints," Bilirakis said. "This is unsettling and dangerous."

In light of the recent controversy surrounding the imaging machines and pat-down procedures used by TSA, Bilirakis is concerned about effectiveness of these new measures and the training that security officers are receiving.

"If there is a recurring problem with illegal items making it past TSA screeners, we need to take the appropriate steps to stop this and ensure the safety of our nation's travelers," Bilirakis said.

During the 111th Congress, Bilirakis has served as Ranking Member of the Management, Investigations, and Oversight Subcommittee. This week, he was named Chairman of the Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications Subcommittee, beginning in January.

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