By Christopher Bidwell
Today, the Obama administration’s choice for Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, Erroll Southers, withdrew his name from consideration.
Erroll Southers
In a statement released by the White House, Southers said he was pulling out because “it is clear that my nomination has become a lightning rod for those who have chosen to push a political agenda at the risk of the safety and security of the American people.” Southers nomination had been favorably reported out of both the Senate Commerce and Homeland and Government Affairs Committees late last year.
At least two Senators had placed holds on Southers nomination, and Senate Majority Leader Reid had been expected to file the first of several procedural motions when the Senate reconvened today to begin the process of getting to a final confirmation vote.
In the wake of the attempted attack on Christmas day, we entered a new decade with an even greater level of understanding of the importance of aviation and an awareness of the need for security vigilance. As the Administration works through the nomination process for a new TSA Administrator, ACI-NA will continue to work with our members, DHS and TSA in our ongoing effort to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public.