Schumer Challenges TSA’s Decision to Allow Knives on Planes

Democrat U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and republican U.S. Senator from Arkansas Lisa Murkowski introduced an amendment to the Senate budget resolution that would prohibit the TSA from allowing small knives onto airplanes.

Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, the TSA prohibited passengers from carrying small knives onto planes due to security risks, but several weeks ago it announced that it would discontinue that policy.

The legislators’ amendment to the budget, being considered on the Senate floor, would prohibit the TSA from allowing knives on planes that could put passengers and flight attendants at risk.

Schumer and Murkowski argue that the policy change posed a risk, while providing few tangible benefits for passengers.

The rule, which goes into effect on April 25, includes small knives with non-locking blades smaller than two and a quarter inches and less than 1/2 inch in width.