Republicans Say TSA Agents Are Impersonating Cops, Shouldn't Be Called 'Officers'
LatestIn just the past few months, the TSA has come under fire for subjecting elderly women to humiliating (alleged) strip searches and complimenting passengers on their sex toys. Things have gotten so bad that even the TSA admits it needs to reform its policies, but instead of targeting how the agents conduct searches, Republicans are focusing on their clothing and job title.
CNN reports that Rep. Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, has introduced the “Stop TSA’s Reach In Policy Act,” (which has the not-at-all sensational nickname “the STRIP Act”) in response to three women’s claims that they were asked to remove their pants so officers could examine their medical devices (the TSA insists the strip searches didn’t take place). In the past five years, the TSA started calling screeners “transportation security officers,” and added metal badges to their uniforms. The bill, which has 25 Republican co-sponsors, would prevent TSA agents from using the title “officer” or wearing uniforms that resemble what police wear. Blackburn says: