Congress is putting the pressure on the Transportation Security Administration to stop their decision to allow small knives on planes. Congress sent a letter to the chief of the TSA with more than 100 signatures, asking them to reconsider the policy.
According to Fox, a letter is going around House Democrats and Republicans in opposition of the TSA's decision to allow small knives and other weapons on board. Among those who signed the letter is New York Republican Rep. Michael Grimm who co-sponsored sponsored bipartisan legislation to stop the TSA policy change.
A few weeks ago, TSA chief John Pistole announced that the TSA will lift the 11 year ban on small knives. Starting April 25, passengers will be allowed to bring pocket knives, folding knives and other items such as souvenir baseball bats, hockey sticks, ski poles and more. The TSA made this decision saying that this policy will allow agents to put more focus on higher risk items like explosives.
The TSA claims that small knives don't pose such a big threat anymore since cabin doors are stronger and hard to get into. They believe this would prevent hijackers from being able to take over a plane like they did on September 11, 2001.
Box cutters were used by the terrorists on 9/11. The TSA will continue to have a ban on razor blades and box cutters,
"The decision to lift the ban on knives was done without consulting any key stakeholders -- like members of Congress, flight attendants and air marshals and the general public," Grimm said, according to FOX. "I don't know which is more idiotic -- the policy or the process."
In the letter, Congress urges Pistole to not go along with lifting the ban until he talks to the appropriate parties.
Last week, Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ed Markey submitted legislation to stop the TSA from going ahead with the change.
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