Schumer: TSA must reverse decision on allowing dangerous items
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By LISA EVERS, Fox 5 News Reporter
NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -
A former TSA agent describes the work of his former coworkers at area airports as "major mistakes."
This as the controversy about the TSA's decision to allow small knives on planes grows.
There are new questions and a growing controversy over airport security and just how effective they really are -- now lawmakers are vowing to take action.
It was a stunning reversal by the TSA to allow knives and other previously banned items like bats in carry-on luggage starting April 25. The TSA says it's so they can focus on higher risk items like explosives – but Senator Charles Schumer is not buying it.
"While it's true that pilots are safe, locked behind cockpit doors, these dangerous items still pose a significant hazard to the flight crew, other passengers, and even the integrity of the plane," said Schumer. "These items are dangerous, and have not become less so in the years since they were banned from planes. And with the major security breach at Newark this weekend, now is not the time for reduced vigilance, or to place additional burdens on TSA agents who should be looking for dangerous items, not wasting time measuring the length of a knife blade."
Schumer's asking the TSA to keep the ban in place, but Congressman Peter King sees no problem with lifting the ban in place – but does have other security concerns. Especially after the TSA's own undercover agent was able to sneak a fake bomb through two checkpoints completely undetected last month.
Congressman King wants answers from the TSA director.
"That's disgraceful … it can possibly be a disaster," said King.
Passengers weighed in on the security test breach failure.
"That's frustrating and it can be pretty terrifying."
And others are getting involved with this issue. The union representing 90,000 flight attendants is launching a campaign to encourage the TSA to keep knives off the planes.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:12:52 GMT
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion...
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion proposal...
The body of one of three New Yorkers killed in an attack in Afghanistan is scheduled to arrive in his upstate hometown while the funeral of a second victim is being held in the Hudson Valley.
The body of one of three New Yorkers killed in an attack in Afghanistan has arrived in his upstate hometown as the funeral of a second victim was being held in the Hudson Valley.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:03:27 GMT
Authorities say they still haven't determined what caused six U.S. border agents to require decontamination and medical attention after inspecting a vehicle at a crossing in northern New York.
Authorities say they still haven't determined what caused six U.S. border agents to require decontamination and medical attention after inspecting a vehicle at a crossing in northern New York.
Sunday, June 16 2013 5:39 PM EDT2013-06-16 21:39:47 GMT
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is asking New York colleges and universities to place tougher standards that would make it hard for students to abuse stimulants like Adderall. Schumer during a Sunday afternoon press conference said between 15 and 35 percent of college students frequently use Adderall to stay up to study. He said students shouldn’t be able to get amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall without a legitimate diagnosis and prescription.
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is asking New York colleges and universities to place tougher standards that would make it hard for students to abuse stimulants like Adderall. Schumer during a Sunday afternoon press conference said between 15 and 35 percent of college students frequently use Adderall to stay up to study. He said students shouldn’t be able to get amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall without a legitimate diagnosis and prescription.
Saturday, June 15 2013 7:36 PM EDT2013-06-15 23:36:20 GMT
Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo was honored with a portrait that was unveiled inside the Hall of Governors in the state capital in Albany on Saturday. Current governor and son Andrew Cuomo was there as well. "A year ago we presented Governor Mario Cuomo with his official gubernatorial portrait.
Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo was honored with a portrait that was unveiled inside the Hall of Governors in the state capital in Albany on Saturday. Current governor and son Andrew Cuomo was there as well. "A year ago we presented Governor Mario Cuomo with his official gubernatorial portrait.
