Lawmakers express concern over TSA's prohibited item list revisions

The House Subcommittee on Transportation Security, chaired by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), held a hearing Thursday on the TSA's efforts to advance risk-based security.

The hearing was Hudson's first as chair. During his opening statement, he laid out four primary objectives for the subcommittee in this Congress, including advancing risk-based security programs and policies; addressing technology procurement flaws; streamlining TSA's regulatory process; and strengthening collaboration with the private sector.

"In my view, if TSA implements risk-based security in a responsible way, it could be a win-win for our security and our economy....it gives TSA the opportunity to evolve its procedures and reduce its long-term operational costs," Hudson said in his opening statement.

The bulk of the discussion at Thursday's hearing revolved around TSA's recent revision to the prohibited items list. Beginning April 25, passengers will be allowed to carry on small pocket knives with non-locking blades smaller than 2.36 inches and less than 1/2 inch in width, in addition to select sports equipment. Lawmakers expressed concern for allowing knives onto planes, regardless of size, and also submitted for the record letters of opposition from multiple flight attendant and pilot organizations.