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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) joined Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Officers at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport today to call for new security measures to protect passengers and employees in airport security screening areas. The rally comes in the aftermath of a recent attack at New Orleans Airport and the tragic 2013 shooting at Los Angeles International Airport.

“I travel weekly through the airport and talk to TSA officers each time to understand how they are doing and see if they have concerns or issues,” said Dingell. “In recent weeks, numerous officers have raised concerns about their own personal safety and that of passengers traveling. These men and women have dangerous, high-pressure jobs and they should not have to come to work every day fearing for their lives while they are protecting ours.

“I want to thank them for working to keep us safe, because too often we forget to show our appreciation. It is clear additional measures are needed to protect screening areas, passengers and the brave individuals who are on the front lines of protecting our skies and preventing another 9/11. It should not take another tragedy to spur us to action. I will work with other members across the aisle to see how we support these workers and their needs.”

The TSA officers, members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), are calling for a new unit of armed law enforcement officers within TSA specifically trained and armed to respond to such attacks, and for other safety measures at screening checkpoints.

Dingell was joined today by AFGE National President J. David Cox, Sr., AFGE 7th District National Vice President Dorothy James, AFGE TSA Council 100 President Hydrick Thomas, AFGE TSA Council 100 Executive Vice President Alan Jackimowicz, AFGE Local 778 President Vaughn Glenn, Michigan AFL-CIO President Karla Swift, and additional TSA officers.