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WASHINGTON — Utah Sen. Mike Lee renewed his call to abolish the Transportation Security Administration, suggesting that instead airlines should conduct their own security screenings, eliminating the need for the federal government to get involved.
Lee, a Republican, also complained about TSA pat-downs, asking in a post on X, "Tired of being groped every time you travel?"
"Abolish TSA," he wrote in another post. "Let airlines do their own screening."
The TSA was first established in November 2001 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The organization operates under the Department of Homeland Security, putting it under the purview of the federal government.
Lee also previously accused the agency of engaging in inappropriate practices, referring to the organization's policies on security pat-downs.
Under TSA guidelines, travelers may be subject to a pat-down if the screening technology is set off, which includes "inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet." That inspection may also include sensitive areas, according to the TSA website.
Lee has previously criticized these policies, calling the process "needlessly slow."
The Utah senator called for the elimination of TSA early last year, claiming airlines could conduct their own security checks better than the agency.
"It's time to abolish the TSA. Airlines can and will secure their own planes if a federal agency doesn't do it for them," Lee said in a post on March 11, 2023. "They'll do it better than TSA, without undermining the Constitution and with less groping — showing more respect for passengers."
It's not yet clear whether Lee will formally introduce legislation to eliminate the agency or if it would garner much support within Congress. The Deseret News contacted the TSA for comment.
