In the News
Television news segments this week have embarrassed the Transportation Security Administration with images of airport screeners sleeping on the job or stealing iPads left by passengers in bins at metal detectors.
On Wednesday, agency officials pushed back, telling skeptical House members that, on the whole, TSA’s workforce of 56,000 does a good job and that tough disciplinary procedures against “knuckleheads” are in place.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The TSA security line, often the most dreaded part of traveling by air, that shoeless and beltless shuffle through metal detectors, all in the name of air safety.
Wednesday’s Congressional hearing focused on the security concerns posed not by travelers, but by the officers themselves.
Out of the 56,000 personnel that ensure security at about 450 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulated airports nationwide, from fiscal years 2010 through 2012, the annual number of misconduct cases by employees increased from 2,691 to 3,408 -- slightly more than 5 percent, according to a congressional audit report released Tuesday. Approximately 9,600 cases of employee misconduct were investigated and adjudicated.
HARRISBURG, N.C. — Ron Arnette fought off Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever just so he could compete in Harrisburg’s annual cow milking competition.
CONCORD — Several students at R. BrownMcAllister Elementary School had the same question for U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson as he visited their school on Tuesday. They wanted to know why people had to be 18 years old to vote.
“That’s a good question,” Hudson said. “No one has ever asked me that before. I’ll go to Washington and ask.”
At least three students asked about that issue while Hudson was visiting. He told the students that, even though he was not around when that law was made, he guessed it had to do with reaching a mature age.
State and local employers told two members of Congress April 30 that the Affordable Care Act could force cuts in programs or services and limit their future expansion.
U.S. Reps. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., chairman of the House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions, and Richard Hudson of North Carolina’s 8th District led the field hearing, titled Health Care Challenges Facing North Carolina’s Workers and Job Creators, at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
Congressmen hear health care concerns
CONCORD — Several business owners and a representative from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College voiced similar concerns Tuesday about the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act.
Speaking to two Congressmen at a Concord hearing, they said that while some reforms may be needed, they’re worried that requirements starting in 2014 will not only hurt their businesses but also their employees and customers.
Congress comes to Concord for health care hearing
Local leaders and federal officials have until June 15 to persuade the Federal Aviation Administration to restore funding to the air traffic control tower at Concord Regional Airport.
After that, budget cuts stemming from the federal budget sequestration will force towers at 149 noncommercial airports nationwide to close.
MONROE —Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) stopped at South Piedmont Community College Thursday during for his "Creating Jobs through Workforce Training" tour.
SPCC officials led Hudson on a tour of the college. Afterwards, he participated in a short round table discussion with members of the college, local officials and others.