What happened
Senator Tammy Duckworth has written to Senior Official Performing the Duties of TSA Administrator Nguyen McNeil demanding an immediate reversal of the TSA's 'shoes on' screening policy. The policy, implemented by former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in July 2025, allows travelers to keep shoes on during security checks. However, a DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) covert testing audit found that TSA Advanced Imaging Technology full-body scanners cannot effectively scan shoes, creating a potential security vulnerability. The OIG issued a Seven-Day Letter in August 2025, but Noem allegedly failed to direct corrective action. Duckworth argues this inaction violates federal law and OMB guidance, noting that a Management Decision with corrective actions was due by January 30, 2026. The policy remains in effect despite Noem's firing in March 2026