Schumer, DHS IG criticize air traffic safety

Just two days before the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) says the U.S. is still not doing enough to prevent another attack. He released a new report giving DHS a “C” grade when it comes to overall security. Schumer says that Lower Manhattan is one area that needs the most work. Schumer released his annual homeland security report card, this year slamming the administration with fair to failing grades. He is not the only one being critical.

Is the United States any more protected today than it was six years ago? Are we any more secure? “The progress the dept of homeland security has made in securing our country is shameful,” Schumer said Sunday. “We are years behind where we need to be.” The senator gave the worst grade, an “F,” for preparedness and respose. By this he means the communication handicaps rescue workers experienced on 9/11 have still not been adequately fixed. The highest grade he gave was a “B-” for nuclear, chemical, and biological security.

Airport security received a “C+” while port security got a “C-.”

Schumer is not the only one issuing poor grades. DHS inspector general recently criticized the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for allowing the airlines to turn into sitting ducks. According to the IG report, every day passenger planes carry an extra 7,500 tons of commercial cargo under the cabins. This helps move freight around the country, but the report says the cargo is poorly screened at best.

Schumer’s report card, by the way, also gives a D+ for mass transit and truck security and a C for border security.