To the Honorable Members of Congress,

 

We, the undersigned, urge you to oppose the proposed "Abolish TSA Act." The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plays a vital role in protecting our nation's transportation systems and ensuring the safety of millions of travelers daily. While reform and improvement are always welcome, dismantling the TSA would introduce significant risks to national security and public safety.

 

Why the TSA Matters:

 

- Passenger Screening Scale: In 2023, the TSA screened over 858 million passengers, averaging about 2.4 million passengers daily, showcasing the critical scope of their work.

 

- Threat Detection: TSA officers intercepted 6,737 firearms in 2023 (93% of which were loaded), preventing them from entering secure areas of airports.

 

- Advanced Security: The TSA uses cutting-edge technologies like Computed Tomography (CT) scanners and Credential Authentication Technology, which enhance efficiency and accuracy in detecting potential threats.

 

- Oath of Office: TSA personnel take an oath of office, committing to uphold the Constitution and faithfully execute their duties. This ensures they are held to the highest standards of public accountability—an obligation private security companies are not subject to.

 

Comparing TSA to Private Security:

 

- National Standards: The TSA ensures consistent, federally mandated security protocols across all U.S. airports, whereas private firms may have inconsistent standards and approaches.

 

- Accountability: As a federal agency, the TSA is subject to government oversight and public accountability. Private companies, driven by profit motives, could prioritize cost-cutting measures—such as limited employee training or reduced wages—over robust security practices.

 

- Emergency Preparedness: The TSA, as part of the Department of Homeland Security, is equipped to respond quickly and effectively to national emergencies. Private security firms often lack the same capacity for coordinated action.

 

- Turnover Rates: TSA's has recently improved employee retention through its Transportation Security Compensation Plan, implemented in July 2023. This plan addressed longstanding pay inequities, resulting in reduced turnover rates and increased workforce stability. Reverting to pre-TSA privatization models could undermine and destabilize the workforce, and compromise airport security effectiveness with low wage private security staff.

 

Areas for Improvement:

 

While the TSA has faced challenges, progress is evident. Efforts to address these vulnerabilities include improved employee training, investments in advanced screening technology, and a zero-tolerance policy in regards to theft. Reform is the path forward, not abolition.

 

The "Abolish TSA Act" threatens to undermine aviation security by transferring responsibilities to private security companies, whose primary objective is profit, not public safety. Examples of profit-driven practices, such as hiring undertrained personnel or high turnover due to low wages, highlight the potential risks of privatization. Moreover, private companies are not bound by an oath of office, which holds public servants accountable for their actions and duties.

 

We call on you, as our representatives, to protect the safety and well-being of the American people by rejecting this legislation. Instead, we urge Congress to work towards enhancing the TSA's efficiency, transparency, and accountability while preserving its vital role in national security.

 

Together, let’s build a safer and more effective transportation security system—one that strengthens, rather than weakens, our defenses.