Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is advocating for reinstating the TSA requirement that passengers remove shoes during security screening. This policy, initially implemented after the 2001 “Shoe Bomber” Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his footwear, was relaxed in July. While Senator Duckworth’s experience as an Iraq War veteran who lost both legs in combat lends weight to her concerns about aviation security, experts argue that focusing on shoes is a misallocation of resources.
The History of Shoe Screening
Richard Reid, a British al-Qaeda operative, boarded American Airlines Flight 63 in December 2001 with explosives concealed in his shoes. His attempt to ignite them mid-flight failed due to a damp fuse—a fact that highlights the limitations of the policy. Despite this, shoe removal became a standard security procedure for over two decades. The incident exposed flaws in the system but did not result in further attacks using similar methods.
TSA Effectiveness and Accountability
Critics point to the TSA’s poor track record in detecting threats. Covert testing has repeatedly shown that screeners miss a staggering 90% of illicit items, yet this data is classified rather than used to improve security protocols. The agency also lacks independent oversight, regulating itself—a structure that hinders accountability.
A Distraction from Real Threats
Focusing on shoes distracts screeners from more pressing dangers. The DHS bureaucracy has also opposed the change, and Secretary Noem’s shoes-on policy remains in effect despite President Trump’s public announcement of her firing. Senator Duckworth’s push comes after the removal of Secretary Noem, and it piles on as a mistake made by her.
Beyond Shoes: Broader Issues
Senator Duckworth’s broader policy positions on transportation raise questions about her priorities. She has championed policies that make pilot training more expensive, effectively excluding minorities from cockpit access, and has defended a mismanaged air traffic control system that has squandered billions of dollars. She also supports regulations that would raise airfares by eliminating low-cost carriers.
“The TSA should be focused on real threats, and this is a distraction from that mission.”
Conclusion
Reinstating shoe removal at TSA checkpoints is unlikely to enhance security significantly. The policy is a symbolic gesture that diverts attention from systemic weaknesses within the agency. Senator Duckworth’s advocacy appears driven by political opportunism rather than evidence-based security improvements. A more effective approach would involve independent oversight, transparent testing, and a focus on real threats, not outdated theater.
