TSA: End Screening at Some Airports

Imagine breezing through airport security without being screened for guns, explosives and other contraband.

That scenario may sound improbable in the age of terrorism and high-tech weaponry, but it's exactly what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was mulling for some small airports across the nation.

But Politico reports that lawmakers on Capitol Hill are quickly putting the kibosh on the idea — and now the TSA appears to be backing down.

"From a security standpoint, it makes no sense," said Rep. Greg Walden, an Oregon Republican, told the political news website.

And Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, told Politico: "I don't think most Americans would agree to get on a plane that's got 49 other passengers without a sense that everybody on that plane is safe to be with."

The TSA plan, would affect between six and 22 small airports, appears to reflect budget concerns.

TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger told Politico that many small airports don't do regular flight schedules and airlines come and go. "You don't want to go in there and six months later have to pull it all back out," he said.

Related Stories:

• American Airlines, TSA Clash Over Long Security Lines, Missed Flights
• Revised Airport Security Measures Come in Wake of Bombshell TSA Report