These cuts could lead to the ending of research at this recently completed world-class facility.

I think making sure that stewardship is taking place with our stockpile has never been more important.

So I ask, how does allowing sharp objects on board now accomplish the goal of maintaining zero planes being taken over, or having zero incidents involving sharp objects?

That begs the question, can that number get better? The answer is no. But it also begs the question, can that get worse? To me, the answer is, yes. It can get much worse.

After September 11, zero planes have been taken down by sharp objects where sharp objects would have been used.

I scratched my head wondering why we would want to make our passengers and crew more vulnerable today than they were since the policy was implemented and why we would want to recklessly and dangerously put them at risk.

I believe we can have a risk-based security program which all of the witnesses agree upon, including Mr. Borer, and still protect against sharp objects, which if used dangerously on an airplane can hurt the staff, can hurt our flight…

Before I begin, may I enter into the record and have unanimous consent that I enter opposition to TSA's announced change regarding the prohibited items list...

That number cannot get better, but it can get worse with this new policy.

I would just conclude, Mr. Chair, by saying, you know, for 11 years we have not had an incident, since September 11, and I think largely because of a lot of the good work TSA has done and so that is why I am asking, why now, and why do we…

But just because this is a new threat does not mean that old threats still exist.