United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
More TSA agents coming to alleviate passenger screening squeeze
Tuesday, 06 May, 2016
0
Lawmakers are hoping to bring some much needed relief to frustrated flyers ahead of the busy summer travel season.
Sen. John Hoeven announced the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security has approved a request to shift $34 million from the DHS budget to help alleviate long passenger screening lines.
The money will go towards hiring and training nearly 800 new TSA agents and fund overtime for the existing workforce.
"Our number one priority is keeping the traveling public safe, which can and should be done without travelers waiting in security lines for hours on end," subcommittee chairman Hoeven said in a statement.
Fellow subcommittee member Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said: "Travelers need relief. The security of the traveling public is of utmost importance and I welcome the TSA’s request to shift more resources to improve safety and reduce unacceptably long security lines."
It comes as officials urged Congress to approve other measures to address ‘critical short-term needs’
Rep. John Carter, who assessed the request, took the opportunity to lay into the lack of foresight at the TSA.
"I’m pleased DHS Secretary Johnson is trying to mitigate long lines at airports, and the negative impacts they have on the traveling public," Carter said in a statement.
"However, common sense and historical trends tell us air travel will increase during the summer months and when the economy improves, and TSA has simply failed to plan responsibly."
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
EU entry-exit system delayed again
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week
Icelandair launches inaugural flight to Nashville