WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate is voting to confirm a new leader for the Transportation Security Administration in the wake of reports of startling security gaps at U.S. airports.
Coast Guard Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger was nominated by President Barack Obama in April. That was before recent revelations that auditors for the Homeland Security Department’s inspector general were repeatedly able to sneak mock explosives and weapons through security checkpoints.
Neffenger addressed the issue during his confirmation hearing this month, telling senators he would fully identify those gaps and close them if he is confirmed by the Senate. He is expected to win confirmation in the vote Monday evening.
Neffenger would replace John Pistole, who left his post as TSA administrator in December.