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Change in policy is ill-advised, unwise and risky

(SPRINGFIELD, MASS) Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement today in response to Transportation Security Administrator (TSA) John Pistole’s recent decision to allow passengers to carry small knives on commercial airplanes.

“This recent change in aviation policy is ill-advised, unwise and risky. How can the TSA justify allowing small knives on an airplane and still prohibit small amounts of toothpaste, shampoo and shaving cream? This unexpected decision is strongly opposed by pilots, flight attendants, federal law enforcement and the vast majority of Americans for a good reason. It simply defies logic. Does the TSA think the flying public will feel safer if passengers are allowed to bring knives and other dangerous items in the cabin of a commercial airplane? It simply is not the right time to be lifting restrictions that potentially could put flights in our country at risk. I am strongly opposed to this proposal and will support legislation in Congress to stop its implementation. The TSA is demonstrating remarkably poor judgment with this decision,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal.