(Albany, New York): – Congressman Michael R. McNulty (D-Green Island) has released the following statement regarding changes to passenger screening requirements announced today by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):

“I strongly oppose the new passenger screening guidelines announced today by the Transportation Security Administration. Flight attendants are furious, and the families of the victims of September 11th terrorist attacks are outraged.

“TSA has instructed its security screeners to no longer check passengers and baggage for items such as small scissors, screwdrivers or pliers. The hope is that screeners will spend more time searching for explosives rather than these ‘small objects that don’t pose as great a risk.’ This decision raises many significant questions.

• "It is true that the cockpits are less vulnerable to terrorist attack, thanks to regulations which require locked, reinforced cockpit doors, permit pilots to have guns, and place air marshals on random flights. What would happen to public confidence if we have an attack on a flight where the cockpit remains secure but flight attendants and passengers are stabbed and perhaps killed?

• "How much time will really be saved by security screeners who are required to continue searching for items on which the ban has not been lifted, such as razor blades and cigarette lighters?

• "If the problem is that security lines are too long, then shouldn’t we hire more screeners rather than trim the list of prohibited items, which might compromise the safety of the flying public? I have called for increases in TSA staffing for years, as have officials at the Albany International Airport.

• "Finally, if explosive devices now pose the greatest threat to air safety, then why does the TSA continue to refuse to require the inspection of cargo loaded into passenger planes?"

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