SENATOR COLLINS’ STATEMENT ON DHS IG REPORT ON NATION’S AIR CARGO SECURITY WEAKNESSES

The Department of Homeland Security Inspectors General Office today released a report addressing the effectiveness of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) efforts to secure air cargo while it is being handled on the ground.  This report uncovered security violations and vulnerabilities and concludes that our nation's air cargo is vulnerable to a terrorist attack.

U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, released this statement.

"I am alarmed to learn the results of a recent federal investigation into the security of our air cargo system.  The probe revealed serious security lapses during the time that air cargo is handled on the ground.  In one case, undercover government investigators gained access to already-screened cargo ready to be placed aboard a passenger aircraft.  This breach could have provided the opportunity for an explosive device to be placed into the cargo shipment completely undetected.  In other cases, investigators gained entry through doors there were unlocked doors or that had defective locks, and they were met by disinterested employees who did not prevent access to restricted areas.

"Although the percentage of facilities breached was relatively small, any lapse in security could have disastrous consequences.  That is why I am calling upon TSA to take urge and aggressive action to close these gaps.  We cannot expose the traveling public to this vulnerability.  The TSA also must redouble its efforts on employee background checks, training and testing."