There are bigger issues in Washington, but the TSA has wide-ranging impact:
It's expensive.

It humiliates and hassles tourists and business travelers. I live in a city that counts on tourism, so foreign visitors are less likely to come (and spend money) if our airports are so difficult.

The airlines are struggling, and we need to make flying easier.

If more people drive, the risk of auto accident fatalities is higher, and there is potential for adverse environmental impact.

The TSA does affect my personal and business travels: I'm thinking of turning down a job that would involve greater travel. Why? I don't want to deal with the hassles of flying.

I certainly did not expect a senator to read my letter and write a personal response. I DID expect a staffer to say "we're concerned," or "one of many issues we're looking at," or "thanks for your interest--that's not something we want to work on right now." Instead, I got a lengthy form letter about unrelated issues.