The TSA was tested recently to see if its screeners, equipment and security procedures were up to par — and the agency failed miserably, with an estimated success rate of about 20 percent, a report says.
Undercover inspections conducted by the Department of Homeland Security uncovered a slew of “vulnerabilities” at the security checkpoints of multiple airports across the country, according to ABC News.
They included problems with the TSA’s screener performance, screening equipment, and associated procedures.
A source familiar with the tests told ABC that the failure rate was “in the ballpark” of 80 percent.
Inspectors revealed their results on Wednesday to the House Committee on Homeland Security during a classified briefing. Members of Congress later blasted the TSA for the findings in a public briefing, calling them “disturbing.”
“This agency that you run is broken badly and it needs your attention,” Rep. Mike Rogers told TSA Administrator during the briefing.
While ABC’s source did not give details about the findings, they did say that at least eight recommendations had been made to the TSA to improve checkpoint security, but it’s unclear where.
The latest tests come just two years after the DHS secretly audited the agency and found that it failed 95 percent of the time. Those inspections reportedly included taking in weapons and explosive materials through screening checkpoints.
Lawmakers on Wednesday pushed for new scanner equipment and tighter security measures during the meeting on Capitol Hill, including machines that can create 3D scans of bags — allowing for agents to better spot any items that may be threatening.
The TSA has reportedly started testing some of the equipment in at least two airports, though it has yet to roll them out nationwide due to software and installation problems.
Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass) thinks there’s an entirely different reason why the new machines haven’t been implemented on a larger scale.
“We have the technology and resources to do it but we’re not doing it because … we’re paying for a wall,” Keating said flatly.
In response to the DHS findings, the TSA released a statement saying it “concurs” with its investigation and is “committed to aggressively implementing the recommendations.”
“We take the OIG’s findings very seriously and are implementing measures that will improve screening effectiveness at checkpoints,” said TSA administrator David Pekoske. “We are focused on staying ahead of a dynamic threat to aviation with continued investment in the workforce, enhanced procedures and new technologies.”