A senior US lawmaker has criticised a recent change to airport security rules, warning it could expose passengers to unnecessary risk. Tammy Duckworth, a Democratic senator from Illinois, described the updated “shoes-on” screening policy as “reckless” in a letter to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Concerns Over Scanner Limitations
The policy, introduced in July 2025, allows passengers at major hubs such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to pass through scanners without removing their footwear. It reversed a long-standing rule introduced after the 2001 attempted bombing by Richard Reid on a flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Miami International Airport (MIA).
Duckworth cited reports suggesting that some full-body scanners may not effectively detect threats concealed in shoes. She warned the move could represent a “potentially catastrophic security deficiency” if left unaddressed.
According to her letter, internal testing by inspectors indicated certain screening systems were unable to properly scan footwear, raising questions about whether the policy was implemented without sufficient technical review.
The TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have yet to respond publicly to the claims. The policy shift had been positioned as a step towards improving passenger flow and reducing wait times at busy airports.
Wider Pressure on Airport Security
The criticism comes amid broader strain on US airport operations. A recent government shutdown led to staffing shortages, with hundreds of TSA officers leaving their roles, contributing to longer queues at security checkpoints nationwide.
Duckworth has called for the immediate reversal of the policy until safety concerns are addressed, arguing that convenience should not outweigh passenger protection.
The debate also follows discussions within DHS about easing liquid restrictions, though current limits largely remain in place, with exceptions for medically necessary items.
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