During recent US Congressional hearings, one lawmaker wondered about letting passengers carry weapons on board to fight terrorists, but the TSA official at a contentious hearing said that was not a realistic option.
"The American people are just really disgusted and outraged with a department that they see as bloated and inefficient," said Rep. Mike D. Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the Homeland Security transportation security subcommittee. "The department’s got a bad image problem."
Rogers and others complained to TSA chief John Pistole that the agency still prohibits passengers from carrying water bottles, razors or pocket knives — some of the restrictions imposed after the terrorist 9-11 attacks more than ten years ago.
Lawmakers and passengers have balked at the idea that a pair of nail clippers or beard scissors should still be banned, long after passengers have concluded they should fight terrorists who might try to hijack a flight, said the AP.
"The prohibited items list is the place for you to start making immediate changes," Rogers said.
TSA administrator John Pistole acknowledged that passengers seem frustrated but that the agency is responding to complaints.
The TSA recently made changes to let the elderly (anyone over 75 years old) and the young (12 and under) keep their shoes on during security checks.
By David Wilkening
