Congressional Committees to Investigate Aviation Security After Terrorism Attempt

The failed terrorist attack on a Northwest passenger aircraft on Dec. 25, 2009 sparked national concern over aviation security measures. As Congress returns to Capitol Hill in January, the incident will be revisited by several committees with jurisdiction over transportation and security matters. The spotlight on aviation security will fall upon passenger screening and tracking terroristic threats and should not impact the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) proposed repair station security rule currently open for comment.

On the Senate side, the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs and the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold hearings on Jan. 20. Witnesses will include Homeland Security Administrator Janet Napolitano, as well as former members of the 9/11 Commission, which was established to investigate the terror attacks of 2001. In the House, the Committee on Armed Services and the Select Intelligence Committee will also hold hearings.

The incident has also reignited calls for the appointment of a TSA administrator. The Obama Administration’s nominee, Errol Southers, has yet to be confirmed since his nomination in mid-September. Republican opposition has delayed the Southers’ confirmation, as GOP leaders fear he will support collective bargaining rights for TSA employees. In addition, Southers has faced accusations that he inappropriately gained access to security files while serving with the FBI.

UPDATE: On Jan. 20, 2010 Southers withdrew from consideration as the TSA administrator.