Nominee Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger has served with the Coast Guard since 1982. Chief Petty Officer Kyle Niemi/U.S. Coast Guard
TSA Nomination Advances to Senate Floor
Coast Guard Vice Adm. Neffenger would arrive on heels of reports faulting airport screening and worker vetting practices.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Monday approved President Obama’s choice to lead the troubled Transportation Security Administration, moving the nomination of Coast Guard Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger to the Senate floor.
Neffenger, who would take over at a time when TSA has been rapped for poor airport screening and flawed vetting of workers for terrorism and criminal ties, has served with the Coast Guard since 1982. If confirmed, he would hold the title of assistant secretary (Transportation Security Administration) of the Homeland Security Department.
“I commend the president and DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson for nominating an individual of such quality as Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger,” said Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis. “The position of administrator of the Transportation Security Administration brings with it an enormous challenge, and I believe Vice Adm. Neffenger is well qualified and well suited for the task.”
Ranking member Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., added in a statement, “The thousands of hard-working men and women at the Transportation Security Administration are charged with a challenging mission and competing demands – to secure our nation’s transportation systems without hindering travel or trade. Given the complexity of its mission, the challenges facing its workforce, and the ever-evolving threats to our nation, TSA needs strong leadership at its helm to steer the agency’s efforts. Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger has shown that he has the leadership experience necessary for the job and the willingness to confront difficult challenges head-on.”