TSA ‘is looking at $300million budget cut proposal that would eliminate screenings at more than 150 airports’
Several proposed cuts are outlined in an internal document obtained by CNN
The proposal has been met with criticism from lawmakers and airport officials
The most drastic cut would involve removing screening at small airports
Other proposed cuts include reducing air marshals and TSA headquarters staff
By MEGAN SHEETS
DAILYMAIL.COM
3 August 2018
The Transportation Security Administration is considering eliminating screening points at more than 150 airports to reduce costs, a new proposal has revealed.
The internal document obtained by CNN details several budget-trimming measures that could save the TSA more than $300million in 2020.
Other measures outlined in the proposal included reducing benefits for part-time employees and cutting down the number of full-time air marshals and staff at the TSA headquarters.
The proposal – which landed on the desk of TSA Administrator David Pekoske last month – has been widely criticized by lawmakers, national security experts and airport officials.
The most controversial cut in the proposal is the elimination of screenings at airports where the flights have 60 passengers or less – with screenings taking place instead at larger airports before connecting flights.
That cut is also the proposal’s most costly measure, estimated to save the agency $115million.
Reducing the federal air marshal program would save nearly $39million a year, and cutting staff at TSA headquarters another $26million, according to the proposal.
CNN reports that it is unclear how seriously TSA officials are considering the proposal, but a working group is reportedly conducting a risk assessment in connection with the proposal to eliminate screening at small airports.
Even if the agency decides to move forward with any of the proposed measures, cuts would have to be approved by Congress, which is responsible for making the agency’s budget.
DailyMail.com has reached out to the TSA for comment.
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