I understand the concerns that you mention in your letter. As a
frequent traveler, I believe it is necessary to constantly evaluate and
modify our security procedures to help protect all travelers. Protection of
air passengers is not an exact science and security personnel work
diligently to develop policies that balance efficiency with the latest
security concerns and passenger safety. I understand that this includes
making tough decisions that may lead to uncomfortable travel
restrictions. It also means that the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) must exercise care when limiting necessary items
such as medical aids on flights.

As new security issues come to light, the responsibility to
maintain high security grows, even if it might be an inconvenience to
airline passengers. I am pleased that the involved agencies seem to
improve the capability to detect and deter attacks with each coming day.
I am concerned, however, that we are still not prepared for significant
threats to passenger, crew, and community safety and there is much we
can still do to ensure that flying remains one of the safest ways to travel.
Please know that my staff and I will keep your comments in mind as we
continue to monitor the effectiveness of new travel security policies and
as legislation regarding this issue comes before the Senate.