(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today expressed concern during a hearing in the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection and Cybersecurity that TF Green stands to lose 13 percent of its security screener staff. The loss would come as a result of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) recently-announced reallocation of screeners. TSA has a nationwide cap of 45,000 total airport screeners.

“I find it particularly distressing that as Green is setting new passenger records, they will be faced with security staffing cuts,” said Langevin. “This loss of personnel will jeopardize the security of travelers and result in longer passenger waiting lines, which in itself is a troublesome security risk.”

Mark Brewer, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, testified during the hearing, entitled "Improving Management of the Aviation Screening Workforce."

“The TSA staffing level at Green is presently 259 screeners, which is significantly less than the number of screeners called for in the TSA’s own model,” said Brewer, regarding lowering screening staff levels. “This substantial loss will only serve to create longer lines at our checkpoint, resulting in delays and poor customer service.”

In addition to outlining concerns about staffing decreases, Brewer testified on:

• Improving Management of the Workforce
• Enhancing technology
• Reducing the liability of the Opt Out program

Staff reductions can only be absorbed if new processes and technologies are created to provide screening checkpoint customer throughputs similar to or above today’s traffic volumes. Not to replace personnel with technology will create longer lines and additional burdens on existing security, according to Brewer’s testimony.

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