5: Transportation

Replace the TSA with effective, zero-cost airline security.

Other Information:

Eliminate the wasteful, intrusive, and ineffective Transportation Security Administration (TSA) which runs the airport security check you must pass through to get to your gate. Replace it with a much more effective means of providing airport security by giving the airlines the freedom they need to protect their customers. Allow each airline to set its own policies such as: Whether to require screening of passengers and baggage and what screening methods to use How to protect passengers on board. For example, one airline may train and arm flight crews to provide protection. Another may allow passengers to be armed for self-defense. Yet another may prohibit all arms and rely instead on screening of passengers and baggage. Having options lets customers decide what level of cost, delays and intrusion they are willing to tolerate in exchange for added security by choosing the airlines whose policies suit them best. Airlines should also be permitted to fully arm their own security personnel on the tarmac and in terminals (which was NOT permitted at Logan Airport on 9/11) so they are ready to take down a terrorist. To offset the reduction in spending after eliminating the TSA, we can cut federal taxes. One option is to reduce income tax rates so that the total income tax levy goes down by $7 billion, which is what the TSA now costs every year. Another option is to reduce airport fees imposed on airlines and passengers, which will drive down the cost of flying. Eliminating the TSA, freeing up airlines to protect their customers and cutting taxes will:

Stakeholder(s):

• Carla Howell: Author

Objective(s):

5.1: Terrorists

5.2: Crew & Passengers

5.3: Privacy & Safety

5.4: Tax Savings

5.5: Air Travel

5.6: TSA Encounters

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