Ruppersberger Believes Loss of Uniforms And ID Cards at BWI is Inexcusable

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Maryland 2nd) believes the loss or theft of 426 uniforms and identification cards at Baltimore Washington - Thurgood Marshall Airport is inexcusable.  The Transportation Security Administration says the equipment disappeared between November, 2001, and September, 2006.  The only airport to report more missing uniforms and badges in the past five years is Los Angeles International Airport in California. 

“I believe the loss or theft of more than four hundred uniforms and identification cards at BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport in inexcusable.  America has spent billions of dollars on aviation security but it only takes one lost or stolen uniform and ID badge in the hands of a terrorist to wreak havoc on this country.  I believe Secretary Michael Chertoff of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should come up to Capitol Hill and brief Members of Congress about what happened and how he plans to prevent it in the future.  Secretary Chertoff oversees the Transportation Security Administration and is ultimately responsible for this lapse in security.  I am deeply concerned about this breach and the potential lack of oversight and management within DHS.  This situation may affect our national security.  I believe the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) should conduct an independent and thorough investigation into how this occurred while at the same time trying to locate the missing uniforms and badges,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).      

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger represents the Maryland 2nd District which includes BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport.  Congressman Ruppersberger serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Appropriations Committee.

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