LETTER TO THE EDITOR: TSA uniforms appropriate for mission

OPINION:

The men and women at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) dedicate themselves every day to preventing attacks against the United States. A recent Commentary piece from Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Republican (“Dressing for excess at the TSA,” Wednesday), failed to point out that the dollar amount for the contract recently awarded to procure uniforms for transportation security officers is simply a ceiling limit, allowing for the government to spend less money over a longer period of time. Without this contract, TSA would not be able to replace worn-out uniforms or provide uniforms for new employees.

This does not mean that TSA will buy or require the full amounts of the contract. In fact, TSA’s annual uniform allowance is well below the maximum permitted for federal agencies. The uniform these officers wear represents the professionalism of our employees and the seriousness of our mission.

JOHN S. PISTOLE

Administrator, Transportation Security Administration

Arlington