Tom Rooney Looks to Crack Down on TSA Abuses

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., is calling for major reforms to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) after two screeners were fired from their posts at the Denver International Airport after groping passengers.

Rooney took to the House floor on Tuesday afternoon to showcase his Stopping TSA Abuses Act and explain its purpose.

When you dress someone up like a policeman and call them officer, youre misleading passengers about their actual authority, Rooney said. Most people see a badge and uniform, and comply with the screeners demands even when those demands are abusive. That has to end.

Ive introduced the Stopping TSA Abuses Act, to prohibit TSA from giving screeners metal badges, police-like uniforms, and the title officer. It reserves those rights for sworn officers who have completed law enforcement training, Rooney added. When you see someone wearing a federal badge and uniform, you should have full faith that they received the proper training and will exercise their authority responsibly. This bill is an important step toward that goal.