A Florida congressman is looking to shake up Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials, insisting they are using their power to abuse ordinary Americans and saying they look too much like police officers.
U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., is calling for major reforms to the TSA after two screeners were fired in recent days from their posts at the Denver International Airport after groping passengers.
Rooney crafted a bill to direct the administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to prohibit certain employees of the Transportation Security Administration from using the title of officer and from wearing metal badges or uniforms resembling those of law enforcement officers. The bill was sent to the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee last week. Rooneys legislation currently has no co-sponsors in the House or Senate counterparts.
The Florida Republican 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 on the House floor on Tuesday afternoon. 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.
Earlier this week, Rooney announced that he would not run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in 2016. Rubio is not expected to run for the Senate as he seeks the Republican presidential nomination.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
