President Obama Floating A Name Among Members Of Congress

President Obama is considering former FBI special agent Erroll Southers to lead TSA, according to sources close to the matter.

The Associated Press is reporting that some members of Congress have been told by the Obama Administration that Southers is at the top of the President's list for the job. The source spoke to AP under a condition of anonymity.  White House Spokesman Nick Shapiro said Friday that no announcement of a nomination is being planned at this time.

TSA was formed following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. If nominated and confirmed by the Senate, Southers would become the 5th person to head the agency which oversees 50,000 airport screeners. TSA also sets policy for security at airports beyond airline passengers, and has come under fire from the general aviation community for tight restrictions proposed for GA aircraft and pilots as well. The restrictions have been criticized as having a chilling effect on the GA industry, business, and recreational flying.

Southers is currently teaching at the University of California, AP says. He was formerly Deputy Director of California's Office of Homeland Security.

FMI: www.tsa.gov