Senator Decries New Shoes-On Security Policy at US Airports as ‘Reckless’
Democrat Tammy Duckworth has written a formal letter to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), urgently calling on the agency to reinstate the shoes-off airport security policy. This move comes nine months after US airports allowed passengers to pass through scanners without removing their shoes, rescinding a stringent rule that had been in place for nearly two decades.
In her correspondence to Ha Nguyen McNeill, the TSA's deputy administrator, Duckworth cited alarming news reports indicating that some advanced body scanners are incapable of effectively scanning footwear. She described the policy as a "potentially catastrophic security deficiency" that could endanger passengers.
Background of the Policy Change
The new shoes-on policy was introduced in July by the former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, Kristi Noem. This decision ended a rule that originated after the failed attempt by "shoe bomber" Richard Reid in December 2001. Reid had tried to bring down a flight from Paris to Miami using explosives concealed in his shoes, leading to his subsequent sentencing to three life terms plus 110 years in prison.
Duckworth, who serves as the ranking member of the Senate commerce, science, and transportation aviation subcommittee, issued a statement condemning Noem's decision. She labeled it a "reckless act" that was likely implemented without meaningful consultation with TSA officials. The senator, who lost both legs and partial use of her right arm in a 2004 helicopter attack during the Iraq war, emphasized the grave risks involved.
Security Vulnerabilities and Inspector General Findings
In her Friday statement, Duckworth highlighted that the DHS inspector general conducted covert testing, which reportedly revealed that some TSA full-body scanners "can't scan shoes." The office of inspector general concluded that this policy shift had inadvertently created a new security vulnerability within the aviation system.
"At a minimum, TSA's failure to swiftly implement corrective action warrants the immediate withdrawal of Secretary Noem's reckless and dangerous policy that increases the risk of a terrorist smuggling a dangerous item onto a flight," Duckworth wrote in her letter to the TSA.
Additional Context and Related Measures
Noem had also considered relaxing restrictions on the volume of liquids that airline passengers are permitted to bring as hand luggage. While most limits remain unchanged, medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces are now allowed if declared in advance.
Duckworth has recently re-introduced legislation aimed at making it easier for parents to travel through airports with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies. This initiative followed reports of some travelers being forced to discard such items before passing through security checkpoints.
Current Challenges in Airport Security
The demand to reinstate the shoe policy emerges as US travelers face extended wait times to clear security at airports, exacerbated by a record-long partial government shutdown. Hundreds of TSA employees have departed the agency since the shutdown began, despite missed paychecks being paid retroactively. The TSA and DHS have not provided immediate responses to requests for comment on these developments.
Passengers continue to navigate screening lines, such as those at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, where the new policy remains in effect. The ongoing debate underscores the delicate balance between enhancing passenger convenience and maintaining robust security measures in an era of evolving threats.
