Lautenberg Statement on Newark Airport Security Breach and Disciplinary Action Against Screeners

The office of Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, D-N.J., issued the following news release:

U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today issued the following statement after a security breach at Newark Liberty International airport and news reports that disciplinary action is being taken against screeners for failing to follow procedure:

"When the TSA is literally asleep on the job, the American people are rightly concerned about whether our transportation system is being adequately protected." Lautenberg said. "It is disappointing that security operations at Newark Liberty Airport continue to lag, but it's good news that disciplinary action is being pursued. The Department of Homeland Security has been investigating operations at the airport for almost a year and I am anxious to see the results of the investigation so that TSA can start putting real reforms into place."

Lautenberg, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and a member of the Aviation Subcommittee on the Commerce Committee, has been working to tighten security at Newark Airport. Following a major breach in January 2010 that revealed security gaps at the airport, Lautenberg inserted legislation into the Homeland Security Appropriations bill to improve exit lane security and increase penalties for intentionally breaching security. The measure was signed into law in December.

Following a spate of security breaches at Newark Liberty Airport in January and February of 2011, Lautenberg called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General Richard Skinner to conduct an immediate investigation into the security breaches at Newark Airport. The investigation is ongoing.

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