GOP Reps. Mica, Chaffetz: Investigate TSA Hawaii firings

The Transportation Security Administration's proposed firing of more than 30 employees at Hawaii International Airport for improperly screening checked baggage should be investigated, a pair of staunch congressional critics of the agency said Tuesday.

GOP Reps. John Mica (R-Fla.) and Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) wrote a letter to the acting inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security that was obtained by The Hill. In it, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the separate House Homeland Defense subcommittee said the proposal firings raise questions about TSA's effectiveness.

Mica and Chaffetz have pushed for more private airport security screenings, arguing that they would be more effective than government employees from the TSA.

"We, along with our colleagues in Congress, continue to be concerned with the Transportation Security Administration's management and oversight of its federal screener operations," they wrote to acting DHS Inspector General Charles Edwards.

"The recent proposed firings of a significant number of TSA employees, including members of the TSA's own leadership team, at Honolulu International Airport (HNL), highlight the conflict that exists when TSA acts as both the operator and the regulator of the aviation screening programs," they continued. "It is imperative the federal agency responsible for maintaining aviation security operates in an effective and efficient manner."

Mica and Chaffetz called for "a complete analysis of the failure of TSA's oversight and supervision of baggage and passenger screening operations, protocols and procedures at HNL."

Earlier this month, TSA announced that it was recommending firing 37 employees after what it called an "extensive investigation." The workers reportedly allowed baggage to pass through security that had not been properly screened for explosive devices.

The screenings that had been questioned took place in the final months of 2010. TSA said when it announced the proposed firings that it regularly tests security operations at airports to make sure its protocols are being followed.

TSA holds its workforce to the highest ethical standards and we will not tolerate employees who in any way compromise the security of the traveling public,” TSA Administrator John Pistole said in a written statement. 

“We have taken appropriate action through our newly established Office of Professional Responsibility and are committed to ensuring our high security standards are upheld in Hawaii and throughout the country,” he continued.