A Transportation Security Administration program to keep travelers safe isn't just failing; it's wasting millions of your tax dollars, according to federal auditors.
One congressman said it's too soon to get rid of a controversial TSA screening program in many airports.
Behavior-detection officers within the TSA are always on the lookout for suspicious or deceptive behavior talking with passengers, trying to prevent a terrorist attack.
It costs nearly a billion taxpayer dollars.
"It's a lot of money, but it is a serious threat. I wouldn't want to put another dollar figure on the cost of another terrorist incident with an airplane," said Rep. Richard Hudson.
The program, called Spot, is under a harsh spotlight. Federal investigators said there's no evidence it's working.
Auditors said Congress should limit funds until the TSA can justify the high cost.
The head of the TSA, John Pistole, wouldn't talk to Channel 9 after testifying about the program on Capitol Hill.
Pistole wants the behavior-detection program to continue for three more years. If it's eliminated, he said travelers won't be happy.
"There would be fewer passengers going through expedited screening. There would be increased pat-downs. There would be longer lines, and there would be more frustration," Pistole said.
Hudson told Channel 9 he doesn't want the program to end, saying it at least acts as a deterrent.
Others on the transportation security panel said no more taxpayer money should be spent on profiling passengers at airports.
The program launched in 2007 and now deploys about 3,000 behavior-detection officers.
They are based in 176 airports in the United States.
Head over to our Facebook comment and leave your thoughts on this story here.
One congressman said it's too soon to get rid of a controversial TSA screening program in many airports.
Behavior-detection officers within the TSA are always on the lookout for suspicious or deceptive behavior talking with passengers, trying to prevent a terrorist attack.
It costs nearly a billion taxpayer dollars.
"It's a lot of money, but it is a serious threat. I wouldn't want to put another dollar figure on the cost of another terrorist incident with an airplane," said Rep. Richard Hudson.
The program, called Spot, is under a harsh spotlight. Federal investigators said there's no evidence it's working.
Auditors said Congress should limit funds until the TSA can justify the high cost.
The head of the TSA, John Pistole, wouldn't talk to Channel 9 after testifying about the program on Capitol Hill.
Pistole wants the behavior-detection program to continue for three more years. If it's eliminated, he said travelers won't be happy.
"There would be fewer passengers going through expedited screening. There would be increased pat-downs. There would be longer lines, and there would be more frustration," Pistole said.
Hudson told Channel 9 he doesn't want the program to end, saying it at least acts as a deterrent.
Others on the transportation security panel said no more taxpayer money should be spent on profiling passengers at airports.
The program launched in 2007 and now deploys about 3,000 behavior-detection officers.
They are based in 176 airports in the United States.
Head over to our Facebook comment and leave your thoughts on this story here.
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