Dems ridicule bill to abolish TSA when responding to Sen. Mike Lee tweet

Two House Democrats, Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, took to social media to mock Sen. Mike Lee’s proposal to abolish the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In response to Lee’s question about who supports his bill to abolish the TSA, Moskowitz quipped, “Bin Laden,” while Wasserman Schultz suggested, “The Ayatollah, probably.”

The TSA was established in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The agency was created to enhance security measures and prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act, passed by the 107th Congress and signed into law on November 19, 2001, laid the foundation for the TSA.

Recently, Sen. Mike Lee and Sen. Tommy Tuberville introduced the “Abolish TSA Act of 2025,” which aims to shift airport security screening responsibilities to private companies. Lee criticized the TSA for intruding on the privacy of Americans and failing to effectively detect weapons and explosives during security tests. The proposed bill seeks to privatize security functions at airports under the supervision of an Office of Aviation Security Oversight, ultimately putting an end to the TSA.

Under the legislation, the Homeland Security secretary, in collaboration with the Transportation secretary, would be required to develop a plan for establishing an Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the Federal Aviation Administration. This office would oversee and regulate aviation security activities. Additionally, the bill mandates the transfer of aviation security responsibilities and equipment to private entities and the relocation of surface transportation functions from the TSA to the Department of Transportation.

As the debate over the future of airport security continues, it is essential to consider the implications of abolishing the TSA and transitioning to a private security model. Critics argue that privatizing airport security could lead to potential lapses in safety and security measures, while proponents believe that it could enhance efficiency and effectiveness in protecting travelers.

In conclusion, the discussion surrounding the abolition of the TSA underscores the ongoing efforts to improve aviation security and ensure the safety of passengers. It remains to be seen whether Sen. Lee’s proposal will gain traction in Congress and what impact it could have on the future of airport security in the United States.