Senator Tammy Duckworth, a senior member of the Senate aviation oversight subcommittee, has formally demanded that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rescind its “shoes-on” policy, citing serious security concerns highlighted by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) inspector general report. The Illinois Democrat described the policy as a “reckless act” that endangers the flying public.
In a letter dated April 3, 2026, obtained exclusively by CBS News, Duckworth criticized TSA’s decision to allow travelers to keep their shoes on while passing through security scanners, arguing the move was likely made without adequate consultation within the agency. She referenced a classified audit conducted by the DHS inspector general’s office that used covert “red team” testing to reveal substantial screening vulnerabilities at airports nationwide, particularly that TSA scanners cannot effectively detect threat items concealed in shoes.
The inspector general raised urgent concerns about this vulnerability and issued a rare “Seven-Day Letter” directly to then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, warning of the immediate risks involved. However, according to Senator Duckworth, no corrective actions were implemented for over seven months.
Duckworth called this inaction “outrageous, unacceptable and dangerous,” emphasizing that it undermines TSA’s mission to protect air travelers. She warned that the absence of timely corrective measures likely violates federal law, noting TSA missed a required 90-day deadline to respond to the watchdog’s findings, which contravenes Office of Management and Budget guidance and DHS protocols.
The “shoes-on” policy was introduced on July 8, 2025, under Secretary Noem’s leadership, replacing a long-standing rule that required passengers to remove shoes following the 2001 “shoe bomber” terror attempt. At the time, DHS asserted that advanced screening technology and a multi-layered security approach justified the change, promising improved traveler experience and shorter checkpoint wait times.
However, CBS News reporting revealed that TSA has yet to publicly address the inspector general’s findings or implement recommended fixes, leaving known security gaps unattended. Senator Duckworth criticized Noem’s decision as politically motivated and a “stunning failure of leadership” that prioritizes expediency over safety.
The position of acting TSA Administrator Nguyen McNeill and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin regarding these concerns remains unreported. CBS News has reached out to TSA and DHS for comment.
Why it matters
The controversy over the TSA’s “shoes-on” screening rule raises critical questions about airport security protocols and the balance between passenger convenience and effective threat detection. The unresolved vulnerabilities identified by the DHS inspector general suggest a potential risk that dangerous items could evade screening, jeopardizing public safety. Senator Duckworth’s call for immediate policy reversal highlights the urgency for TSA to address these deficiencies and maintain trust in aviation security measures.
Background
The requirement for travelers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints was established after a 2001 terrorist attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his footwear aboard a U.S.-bound flight. The policy was a cornerstone of airport screening for over two decades. The recent shift to allow shoes to remain on was intended to streamline checkpoint procedures and improve traveler experience, but it has since come under intense scrutiny due to questions about the adequacy of detection technology and potential security lapses revealed in classified DHS audits.
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