Ernst Questions TSA Administrator on Reckless Spending

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today questioned Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator, Hon. Peter V. Neffenger, in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing regarding wasteful spending at TSA and the impact on the agency’s ability to address long security lines while at the same time keeping our nation safe.

Following reports exposing the TSA’s expenditure of tens of thousands of dollars on a mobile application called the “randomizer” that simply shows an arrow on the screen of an iPad telling passengers to go to a right or left security line, the Iowa Senator highlighted this irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars in April with her monthly Squeal Award to highlight government waste. 

Senator Ernst continued to demand accountability from the agency at today’s hearing, stating: “This is the epitome of wasteful Washington spending and what we would like to hear is how you will assure us and the American people that TSA will take those taxpayer dollars and be responsible stewards of those dollars.” In response, she received a commitment from Administrator Neffenger to improve TSA’s acquisition process going forward to ensure the agency is using its resources properly to keep passengers travelling safely and efficiently.

Click here or on the image below to watch Senator Ernst’s full remarks at the hearing

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