Senate Democrat demands that TSA lift its "shoes-on" policy, calling it a "reckless" safety risk
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Senator Tammy Duckworth has demanded that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reverse its "shoes-on" policy, labeling it a reckless decision that compromises airport security and public safety.
- The policy, which allows travelers to keep their shoes on during screening, was implemented without thorough consultation and has been found to create a security vulnerability, as TSA scanners cannot effectively screen shoes.
- A classified Department of Homeland Security (DHS) inspector general report highlighted these vulnerabilities and urged immediate corrective action, but DHS leadership failed to respond, violating federal law and internal directives.
- The "shoes-on" policy, introduced in July 2025 under former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to improve traveler experience, has been criticized for prioritizing convenience over security, with Duckworth accusing Noem of a dangerous leadership failure.
- The TSA has yet to address the inspector general's findings or implement recommended fixes, raising concerns about ongoing security gaps at airports nationwide.
