Congresswoman Waters Welcomes TSA's Recommendations to Improve Airport Safety and Security
"I welcome TSA's report and recommendations that focus on improving employee training, communication systems and policies, and enhanced law enforcement presence at airports nationwide. These recommendations are a positive first step following the tragic shooting incident at LAX in November, which resulted in the death of TSA officer Gerardo Hernandez, who was killed in the line of duty.
"I am particularly pleased that TSA is proposing improved standards for law enforcement presence at airport passenger security checkpoints. Following the tragic incident at LAX, I expressed concerns over current LAX security protocols during a November congressional hearing held by the Transportation Security Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security. After working with the American Alliance of Airport Police Officers, I specifically recommended during the hearing that law enforcement officers be stationed at airport passenger screening checkpoints and that airport police be able to access airport security cameras. I also wrote a letter to TSA Administrator John Pistole recommending enhancements to security at LAX and other national airports.
"Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is located in my Congressional District. It is the sixth busiest airport in the world and third in the United States. I hope that these recommendations from TSA will be the first of many improvements for safety and security for our nation's airports."
###