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Aviation and airport security

Harding’s Shot for the TSA Job

With back-to-back confirmation hearings before the US Senate’s Commerce and Homeland Security Committees under his belt, it would appear that MG Robert Harding is on a clear approach to be the next TSA Administrator. With two different rooms of aviation industry representatives, union activists and other interested observers looking on, Harding answered a range of anticipated questions about his tenure as a business owner, his intelligence experience and his thoughts on collective bargaining for TSA employees. I just hope the White House has the resolve and character to fight for MG Harding. It would be a shame to watch another good nominee have his name and reputation soiled for political gamesmanship.

TSA nominee won't commit to collective bargaining rights

TSA nominee won’t commit to collective bargaining rights – GovExec
During his first confirmation hearing in Washington on Tuesday, President Obama’s nominee to lead the Transportation Security Administration pledged to boost training for employees but would not commit to extending collective bargaining rights to agency screeners.

White House details ethics agreement with TSA nominee

White House details ethics agreement with TSA nominee – GovExec
The White House on Tuesday described in detail the steps it is taking to ensure that President Obama’s choice to head the Transportation Security Administration does not have a conflict of interest related to his past business dealings.

White House: TSA nominee to avoid conflicts of interest

White House: TSA nominee to avoid conflicts of interest – GovExec
President Obama’s pick to head the Transportation Security Administration will recuse himself for two years from handling any matter that involves his former company or contractors he worked with, a White House spokesman said Tuesday.

Former TSA worker indicted on tampering charges

Former TSA worker indicted on tampering charges – NextGov
A former Transportation Security Administration analyst was indicted on Wednesday for tampering with databases used to track possible terrorists entering the United States, according to an IDG News Service report.

It’s Time for TSA 2.0: Let General Harding Focus on Operations

What the TSA needs now is a good makeover; hopefully Major General (retired) Robert Harding is going to be the one to bring in the new broom. TSA has languished for years under a cloud of mistakes, errors and just plain carelessness with respect to their public image and their overall effectiveness. Generals lead by implementing policies set down by their civilian leadership. It is long past time we let the professionals do their jobs and expect the politicos to do theirs.

Airports deploy new security tactics — hand swabs

I thought you might be interested in the story below regarding new security tactics being deployed at certain airports — random hand swabs to check for explosive residue.

Some travelers displeased about TSA body scanners

Some travelers displeased about TSA body scanners – Government Executive
The Electronic Privacy Information Center on Tuesday released a list of more than 40 complaints filed by air travelers about the use of whole-body imaging machines.

Contest to organize airport screeners heats up

Contest to organize airport screeners heats up – Government Executive
The American Federation of Government Employees on Tuesday announced progress on its petition to hold a unionization election at the Transportation Security Administration. But the rival National Treasury Employees Union remains close behind AFGE in the race to represent airport screeners exclusively, according to its leader.

A new TSA Administrator nominated – Will his fate be different from the last one?

Yesterday afternoon, President Obama announced that he will nominate Retired Army General Robert Harding to be the TSA Administrator. Harding is a well-known and highly respected military and intelligence officer, and under normal circumstances, his nomination should sail through the Senate. But these are not normal times in the Senate.