Isakson serves on the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security. Immediately upon viewing the investigative report, Isakson called TSA officials and urged them to look into the potential security gap to ensure that air travelers in our country are safe and airport operations are secure. Isakson’s letter is a follow-up to his call.
The text of the letter is below.
November 2, 2011
The Honorable John Pistole
Administrator
Transportation Security Administration
East Tower, Floor 11, TSA-5
601 South Twelfth Street
Arlington, VA 20598-6001
Dear Administrator Pistole:
I am writing in regards to the recent investigative news story that aired on WSB-TV regarding the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) oversight at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Specifically the story focused on the operations of Gate Gourmet, and concerns about security both with catering and with employees “piggybacking” through checkpoints where they are required to swipe their identification cards.
My understanding from conversations that I and my staff have had with your staff is that is that an investigation into the allegations made in the story is ongoing, and I appreciate your staff’s commitment to keep me apprised of the outcome of that investigation. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, its Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, and a frequent traveler through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport I have a special interest in your findings.
I appreciate your attention to this important matter. Should you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Michael Quiello on my staff.
Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson
United States Senator