Senator Condemns US Airport Shoes-On Security as 'Reckless' Move
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth has launched a scathing critique of the new shoes-on security policy at US airports, labeling it a "reckless act" that could endanger passengers. In a formal letter to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Duckworth called for the immediate reinstatement of the shoes-off policy, which was rescinded nine months ago after nearly two decades in effect.
Security Deficiency and Scanner Failures
Duckworth, who serves as the ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Aviation Subcommittee, argued that the policy creates a "potentially catastrophic security deficiency." She cited recent reports indicating that some TSA full-body scanners are incapable of properly scanning shoes, a vulnerability highlighted by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General's covert testing. The inspector general concluded that the policy change inadvertently introduced a new security weakness into the system.
The senator emphasized that the TSA's failure to address these scanner issues promptly warrants the withdrawal of the policy. "At a minimum, TSA's failure to swiftly implement corrective action warrants the immediate withdrawal of Secretary Noem's reckless and dangerous policy," Duckworth wrote, warning it increases the risk of terrorists smuggling dangerous items onto flights.
Background of the Policy Change
The shoes-on policy was implemented in July by former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, ending a rule established after the 2001 "shoe bomber" incident. Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami, leading to his sentencing to three life terms plus 110 years in prison. Duckworth criticized Noem's decision, suggesting it was made without meaningful consultation with the TSA.
In addition to the shoes policy, Noem considered relaxing liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage. While most limits remain, medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols exceeding 3.4 ounces are now permitted if declared beforehand. Duckworth has also been active in airport accessibility, recently reintroducing a bill to ease travel for parents with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies, after reports of such items being discarded at security checkpoints.
Current Airport Security Challenges
The demand to revert to shoes-off screening comes amid heightened security concerns and operational strains at US airports. Travelers are facing longer security lines following a record partial government shutdown, which led to hundreds of TSA employees leaving the agency. Although missed paychecks have been retroactively paid, the staffing shortages have exacerbated delays and security pressures.
Neither the TSA nor the DHS has responded to requests for comment on Duckworth's allegations. The senator, a veteran who lost both legs and partial use of her right arm in a 2004 Iraq War incident, has positioned herself as a vocal advocate for aviation safety, leveraging her personal experience and legislative role to push for stricter security measures.
