More Stringent Checks On Airport Workers

While passengers and even air crew have to endure long lines, foot odor and perhaps even intrusive body searches, anyone with a social security number has been able to work at concourse shops in airports around the country.

That's about to change.

Tens of thousands of people who work in restaurants, bars and newsstands will soon have to undergo background checks and will have to pass through the same screening procedures as everyone else.

That was the gist of new directives issued by the TSA late Tuesday.

In addition, the TSA wants to cut down on the number of security badges given to airport vendors, reduce the number of doors behind security checkpoints and beef up security at the doors that remain accessible.

"I'm pleased that TSA has finally taken steps to close these gaping security loopholes," said Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), ranking Democrat on the House Aviation Subcommittee.

"The agency still has plenty of work to do on providing screeners with up-to-date equipment, decentralizing screener training and staffing and securing the perimeters of US airports, among other things," DeFazio said, "but I don't want to take away from this important and significant step."

FMI: www.tsa.gov