In a statement, the TSA administrator said, “I directed a full review of TSA policies with the goal of helping the agency evolve into a more agile, high-performing organization and . . . as part of that review, I examined the contractor screening program and decided not to expand the program . . . as I do not see any clear or substantial advantage to do so at this time."

"That was not a reasonable decision,” said U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri. “It was not one the TSA was empowered to make and I think the principle of this alternative will be part of the final bill."

On Tuesday night, Blunt added an amendment to a federal aviation bill on the Senate floor. The amendment says private security screeners should not be limited to only a few airports. It gives this federal argument heat on The Hill that could work in Springfield's favor.