WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on the nomination of Major General Robert A. Harding (U.S.A., ret.), to be Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration and an Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Witness List:

Major General Robert A. Harding (U.S.A., ret.), to be Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration and an Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Key Quotations from Today’s Hearing:

“We simply cannot ignore the fact that our Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has no administrator in charge, no leader at the helm. The attempted Christmas Day attack illustrated the absolute need for TSA to have the strong leader it needs to keep us safe. Our enemies are persistent and dangerous, and we know they continue to plan new attacks. We need a highly qualified, strong administrator to lead the TSA and its workforce in protecting our country against future attacks. Major General Robert Harding’s distinguished career in both government and the private sector—where he gained the strong management and leadership skills that the position demands—makes him a good fit for this mission. I have no doubt that Major General Harding is ready and qualified to lead this agency effectively.”

Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV

“My intimate familiarity with counterterrorism matters, military assignments implementing intelligence programs throughout the world, and reliance upon ever-changing technological advances have equipped me to meet the current and future challenges of TSA. If confirmed, I will ensure that TSA continues to work closely with and receives necessary intelligence from the Intelligence Community, and that this information is applied across transportation modes.”

Major General Robert A. Harding (U.S.A., ret.), to be Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration and an Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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