Sens. John Thune (R–SD) and Bill Nelson (D–FL) sent a letter to President Barack Obama Tuesday, urging him to make the nomination of a “qualified, experienced and dedicated individual to serve as administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)” a high priority.
Thune and Nelson, the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, respectively, were joined in signing the letter by Sens. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Deb Fischer (R-NE), all of whom are leaders on related subcommittees.
“Our nation faces evolving terror threats that have recently resulted in enhanced TSA security screening and procedures at U.S. airports,” the letter said. “Given this intensified terror threat and the vacancy set into motion when former Administrator Pistole announced his plans to retire over three months ago, it is critical that TSA have strong leadership now to set priorities, make tough decisions and manage its large workforce.”
It has been over three months since former TSA Administrator John Pistole submitted his retirement papers on October 16, and nearly a month since Pistole completed his final day on the job on December 31.
“We must continually strive to ensure the security of the traveling public while not impeding the ability of people and goods to move freely,” the letter said. “Paramount to these twin goals is organization and accountability throughout TSA. For all these reasons, we urge you to nominate a strong and qualified candidate to be administrator, and we commit to working to ensure your nominee receives full and fair consideration by our committee and the full Senate.”
Jurisdiction on approval of nominees for the TSA administrator will be shared by the Senate Commerce Committee and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. The president’s nominee must also receive Senate confirmation.