Fischer Applauds Committee's Approval of TSA Nominee

Press Release

This morning, the Senate Commerce Committee approved the nomination of Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger to serve as TSA Administrator. The Obama administration delayed Mr. Neffenger's nomination for four months. In January, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined a bipartisan group of senators calling on the administration to act immediately on this nomination. Fischer released the following statement this afternoon:

"Today, in the Commerce Committee, I was pleased to support the nomination of Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger to serve as TSA Administrator. I appreciate his service to our nation in the Coast Guard and expect him to work with Congress to bring much-needed reform to the TSA. After the stunning revelations this week regarding the TSA's recent risk assessment, it is clear that the agency needs more accountability and new leadership to fulfill its vitally important mission."

On October 16, 2014, the previous Senate-confirmed TSA Administrator John Pistole announced his departure. His final day on the job was December 31, 2014. On January 26, Senator Fischer joined a group of five bipartisan Senators, led by Chairman Thune (R-S.D.) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who sent President Obama a letter calling on him to prioritize the formal nomination of a qualified, experienced, and dedicated individual to be TSA Administrator. Four months later, on April 28, the administration formally announced the nomination of Vice Admiral Neffenger.

This morning, the Lincoln Journal Star published an editorial stating "it's ridiculous that the administration now is trying to shift blame to the Senate for not confirming Neffenger immediately. One hearing has been held and another is scheduled. Fischer is seeking a classified briefing to move things along."

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee now has 30 days to consider the nomination before Senate floor consideration of Vice Admiral Neffenger's nomination.

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