Senators and TSA Defend "Love Pats" at Airports

TSA Chief Admits Screenings are "Invasive" But Says They're Necessary to Stay Ahead of Terrorists' New, Non-Metallic Weapons
By Joshua Norman
CBS News
Nov. 18, 2010

Their message is simple. Submit to our will or the terrorists will get you.(CBS) Transportation Safety Administration chief John Pistole and several senators from both parties defended the new, enhanced airport security screening procedures as necessary in the face of a persistent and evolving terrorist threat in a hearing Wednesday on Capitol Hill.

Pistole, calm and confident in the face of an increasing public outcry against the procedures, talked extensively about the repercussions of last year's attempted Christmas Day bombing being the impetus for the enhanced screenings before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, TSA's oversight committee.

"We know the terrorists' intent is still there," Pistole testified. "We are using technology and protocols to stay ahead of the threat and keep you safe. (Several near-misses by terrorists on airplane bombings) got through security because we were not being thorough enough in our pat-downs."

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