Head of TSA given the boot.
The Transportation Security Administration's head of security has been ousted amid an uproar over long lines at airport security checkpoints and intense scrutiny over bonus payments.
"Kelly Hoggan has been removed from his position as head of security at TSA, following our hearing on May 12 on mismanagement at TSA," the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform posted on its Twitter account.
Some lawmakers blasted TSA at the hearing for giving Hoggan $90,000 in bonuses at a time when watchdog tests revealed screeners routinely failed to find weapons at checkpoints. The hearing was one in a series where whistleblowers denounced the agency for rewarding top officials with large bonuses while retaliating against workers who complained about the unfair practices.
TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger told the panel he overhauled the bonus program and installed a $10,000-per-year cap. He also changed protocols to protect workers who spoke out, he said.
The pressure on TSA has been building in recent weeks amid reports of unprecedented airport security lines across the nation. Passenger numbers were approaching record totals while the numbers of screening personnel had been trimmed. Those issues were supposed to be offset by travelers signing up for the expedited PreCheck screening program, but the number of fliers registering has fallen short of expectations.
Almost 500 people were stranded Sunday at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport when long lines prevented travelers from catching flights. Cots were provided — and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel promised angry travelers that the city's airports will get more screeners.
Neffenger named Darby LaJoye to serve as acting assistant administrator for the Office of Security Operations, the Associated Press reported, citing a memo addressed to TSA senior leaders.
“Darby LaJoye is an experienced Federal Security Director with successful leadership tours at two of the nation’s largest airports, Los Angeles International Airport in California and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York," the memo said.
Contributing: Ben Mutzabaugh
