Homeland Security Committee releases TSA misconduct report

The House Homeland Security Committee released a report on Thursday critiquing the misconduct of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in recent months.

The report, titled “Misconduct at TSA Threatens the Security of the Flying Public,” is the result of a six month investigation conducted by the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency and U.S. Rep. John Katko’s (R-NY) Subcommittee on Transportation Security.

“This report comes at a pivotal time for the Transportation Security Administration, which has long been plagued by allegations and instances of employee misconduct from the highest levels of the agency on down to the frontline work force,” Katko said. “Federal employees, particularly those entrusted with the security of the American public, must be held to the highest ethical standards. While the vast majority of TSA personnel are dedicated, hardworking employees, their work is too often undermined by a lack of management support for those willing to speak out against wrongdoing, as well as fellow employees who abuse the position of trust that has been afforded to them.

“I commend Administrator Neffenger for his hard work to right the ship at TSA during his time at the helm, and it is my hope that this report will spur further action to mitigate instances of misconduct at TSA.”

Key findings of the report include that misconduct by TSA employees rose by 29 percent from 2013 to 2015, evidence that the TSA has conducted fewer disciplinary actions against employees and a recommendation by the committee that changes in the leadership team at the TSA may be needed.