Body Voted Monday To Approve President Obama's Choice 81-1

The full U.S. Senate voted Monday to confirm U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger (pictured) as the next administrator of the TSA. The vote in the Senate was 81-1.

“The TSA now has a strong leader to bring cultural change to the agency. As Administrator Neffenger moves forward with efforts to address challenges, I stand ready to help him ensure the agency is prepared to meet the challenge of a continuously changing threat environment," said Senator John Thune (R-SD), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, which has oversight over the TSA. "The difficult work for TSA and its workforce is still ahead.”

The Senate Commerce Committee approved Vice Admiral Neffenger’s nomination on June 4, 2015.

Industry reaction came in quickly.

“GAMA applauds the Senate for quickly confirming Vice Admiral Neffenger to this important post,” president and CEO Pete Bunce said. “Vice Admiral Neffenger’s extensive background in operations and security issues makes him an excellent choice to lead the TSA at a critical time for the agency. We look forward to working with him as we continue to make progress on risk-based general aviation security, including airspace access for general aviation aircraft and pilot training.”

NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks also praised the Senate for taking quick action on the nomination. "Administrator Neffenger's experience and commitment makes him an excellent choice to lead this important agency through a challenging period in its history," Hendricks said in a statement. "NATA looks forward to continuing its work with TSA to promote the risk-based security programs that are critical to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of airport checkpoint security screening for both crewmembers and the traveling public."

"ARSA congratulates Peter Neffenger on his confirmation to lead the Transportation Security Administration. As TSA continues the repair station security rule's implementation, the aviation maintenance industry looks forward to working with the agency to ensure it understands that for ARSA members good security is good business regardless of government oversight," said ARSA vice president of legislative affairs Daniel B. Fisher.

“Vice Admiral Neffenger shares our commitment to the multi-layered approach to aviation security that has helped make air travel is the safest form of intercity transportation in the United States,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “A4A congratulates Vice Admiral Neffenger on his confirmation, and we remain committed to working collaboratively with TSA under his leadership to advocate for risk-based solutions that further bolster security, while making travel more convenient for the customers we serve.”

FMI: www.tsa.gov