Story perspectives

Duckworth Urges TSA to Reinstate Shoes-Off Security Policy

4/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) urged TSA to reinstate the shoes-off policy, criticizing former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to end it.
Duckworth called the move reckless and a security risk, citing a watchdog report TSA scanners cannot screen shoes effectively.
She says the change creates a vulnerability and may violate federal law due to lack of timely corrective action.
The shoes-off rule was implemented after the 2001 shoe bomber incident.

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Story summary

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) urged TSA to reinstate the shoes-off policy, criticizing former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to end it.
Duckworth called the move reckless and a security risk, citing a watchdog report TSA scanners cannot screen shoes effectively.
She says the change creates a vulnerability and may violate federal law due to lack of timely corrective action.
The shoes-off rule was implemented after the 2001 shoe bomber incident.