The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which hired some 65,000 employees and has spent more than $10 billion in fewer than four years, has been beset by complaints about its performance, leaving it vulnerable to congressional Republicans who want to reduce the size of government.
House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John Mica says the time has come to rethink TSA and cut it back, and to put airport security back in the hands of the private sector. He says if that happens, the federal screeners would get the first opportunity to apply for the private jobs.
Mica argues that private companies will do a better, more efficient job at the screening that currently is the TSA's primary function. "They were given almost an impossible task, and they did complete the task Congress requested," Mica told The Associated Press. "Now the question comes to sheer numbers and performance, and there's a lot to be desired."
The TSA has cut its work force of passenger and baggage screeners -- who make up the bulk of its employees -- from 60,000 to 45,000.
The law creating the Homeland Security Department has a sunset provision, which says the TSA has only to be maintained as a distinct entity until November 2004.
Many Democrats, meanwhile, believe the federal agency is needed to protect travelers. They say Republicans set it up to fail by refusing to give it enough money.
House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John Mica says the time has come to rethink TSA and cut it back, and to put airport security back in the hands of the private sector. He says if that happens, the federal screeners would get the first opportunity to apply for the private jobs.
Mica argues that private companies will do a better, more efficient job at the screening that currently is the TSA's primary function. "They were given almost an impossible task, and they did complete the task Congress requested," Mica told The Associated Press. "Now the question comes to sheer numbers and performance, and there's a lot to be desired."
The TSA has cut its work force of passenger and baggage screeners -- who make up the bulk of its employees -- from 60,000 to 45,000.
The law creating the Homeland Security Department has a sunset provision, which says the TSA has only to be maintained as a distinct entity until November 2004.
Many Democrats, meanwhile, believe the federal agency is needed to protect travelers. They say Republicans set it up to fail by refusing to give it enough money.
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