Chairman Ted Cruz praised the nomination of David Cummins for Transportation Security Administration administrator during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on July 16. Cruz said Cummins is a proven leader who will focus the agency on customer service, adapt to evolving threats, and strengthen TSA’s core mission of keeping airports safe and secure.
Cruz said that Cummins would assume leadership as the agency approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks and following two prolonged Democrat government shutdowns that left TSA employees without pay for weeks. He said, “Today, we consider the nomination of David Cummins to be the next administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. Mr. Cummins’s nomination comes at a critical time for the TSA. In the past year, TSA employees had to work for nearly three months without a paycheck due to two pointless, unnecessary, and damaging Democrat-imposed shutdowns. Due to the second, roughly 75-day shutdown, the TSA lost more than 1,100 employees because Democrats thought it was a good idea to shut down the government and stop paying people who help to keep air travel safe.”
Cruz continued by highlighting Cummins’ private sector experience: “Mr. Cummins has more than two decades of private sector experience leading transportation technology, mobility, and government services operations. In his recent role as Senior Vice President of Citizen Services at Serco, Inc., he managed a 5,000-employee division with over $600 million in revenue.” Cruz also referenced previous roles held by Cummins at Xerox’s transportation businesses and his involvement in operations planning for the Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games.
Addressing challenges facing TSA modernization efforts after September 11—including delays in deploying new baggage screening technologies—Cruz said innovative thinking is needed: “Some estimates suggest the TSA will not fully deploy these new technologies until the 2040s. This timeline is simply unacceptable.” He added that Congress should evaluate whether TSA functions as an agile security agency.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee reviews legislation related to commerce, science and transportation during congressional sessions; it serves as a standing committee directed by a chairman with senators from both parties working within policies on interstate commerce, according to the official website.
Cruz concluded his remarks stating: “I look forward to hearing from Mr. Cummins about his vision for the TSA and how he will further its mission of ensuring safe and efficient transportation for all Americans.”