(TRENTON) – Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D-Essex) on Monday released the following statement supporting the Transportation Security Administration’s new screening techniques:
“We’ve heard a lot of discussion in recent weeks about the new TSA screening techniques, but the one thing we haven’t heard enough about is the importance of proper airport security.
“No one enjoys undergoing intensive screening, but we here in New Jersey truly understand better than most the importance of safe airline travel.
“We cannot forget the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, which involved not only the skyline visible from our shores and communities but an airport right here in our state.
“We cannot forget that just a little more than a year ago a man with a bomb in his underwear tried to explode a plane over Detroit.
“We certainly cannot forget the recent failed attempt to blow up cargo planes, including planes landing at area airports.
“We know the threats are real, and I for one want to know everything possible is being done to protect everyone boarding a plane.
“These new screening techniques may take some getting used to, but it’s important to keep in mind that in the same way health care professionals are not motivated by invasion of privacy but rather by healing when they care for us up close and personal, the TSA professionals are motivated by keeping the public safe – and nothing more.”