Shift TSA’s responsibilities to private companies?

Government Operations (e.g., Election Laws) Transportation and Public Works
Abolish TSA Act (S. 1180)
Awaiting Vote
Bill Summary

This bill would abolish the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) over a three-year period and transfer its responsibilities to other entities. It would require the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to shift airport security screening to private companies while creating a new Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the Federal Aviation Administration to regulate security operations. The bill would also transfer certain transportation security functions to the Department of Transportation and establish a phased reduction of TSA personnel. Additionally, it would require the Department of Homeland Security to submit a report within 60 days of enactment and every 30 days thereafter, and require the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress every 180 days on compliance with the bill. Sponsor: Sen. Mike Lee (Republican, Utah)
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Opponents say

•      "Security is an inherently government function, and if you take this idea to the logical extreme, then who needs a Secret Service, or who needs a government Department of Defense or Customs and Border Protection?”, “...If you hire a brand new workforce, they’re going to miss things at a much higher rate than TSA employees are, because they don’t have the background, training, or experience." Source: John Pistole, former TSA administrator under President Barack Obama

Proponents say

•      "The TSA has not only intruded into the privacy and personal space of most Americans, it has also repeatedly failed tests to find weapons and explosives. Our bill privatizes security functions at American airports under the eye of an Office of Aviation Security Oversight, bringing this bureaucratic behemoth to a welcome end. American families can travel safely without feeling the hands of an army of federal employees." Source: Sen. Mike Lee (Republican, Utah), sponsor of S.1180


•      "The TSA is an inefficient, bureaucratic mess that infringes on Americans' freedoms. It’s a bloated agency—riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars—that has led to unnecessary delays, invasive pat downs and bag checks, and frustration for travelers. We need to focus on more efficient and effective methods to protect our country without sacrificing the liberties and freedoms of American citizens. The TSA should be eliminated and replaced with privatized solutions that are more targeted, streamlined, and where appropriate, accountable to limited government oversight." Source: Sen. Tommy Tuberville (Republican, Alabama)

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