“We are at a lower staffing level than we need to be to address peak demand,” Mr. Neffenger told lawmakers. “It’s a pretty important mission, and we’re the screening experts,” said Mr. Neffenger, who added the screening was typically done in response to requests from the Secret Service. In an effort to ameliorate delays, Peter V. Neffenger, the T.S.A. The agency tightened security procedures after federal auditors managed to get fake bombs and weapons past screeners, which has also contributed to the long lines. Representative Martha E. McSally, Republican of Arizona, said the agency was distracted from its focus on airport security by operating screening at political conventions and sporting events.

Source: New York Times May 25, 2016 12:16 UTC