WHITE PLAINS, NY – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will soon unveil a new policy that will allow passengers to carry small knives and other sharp objects aboard aircraft.  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) issued the following statement on the policy:

“TSA is making a mistake and putting the flying public in danger.  Passengers will still have to be adequately screened whether they are carrying a three inch knife or a three foot machete.  Additional examination and measurements of items could actually increase the wait time for passengers. 

“We already know that these types of items can be turned into deadly weapons, and they can still do great harm in the wrong hands.  We should maintain our current policies and keep these items off aircraft.  Instead of relaxing the rules, we should strengthen screening by more vigorously searching cargo areas and physically screening every airport worker with access to secure areas.”