Jim DeMint Stands by Hold on TSA Nominee Erroll Southers

(CBS)

Sen. Jim DeMint is standing by his decision to block President Obama's nominee to lead the Transportation Security Administration.

The Republican senator from South Carolina has a placed a hold on the nomination of Erroll Southers to head the TSA, which prevents quick action on the nomination. In the wake of questions about the nation's security apparatus stemming from an alleged Christmas Day terrorism attempt, DeMint's hold on the nomination has come into focus since the TSA remains without a permanent leader.

DeMint said this morning on NBC's "Today Show" this morning that the Congress should take the time to debate Southers' nomination before confirming him.

"What I've asked for is some debate and a recorded vote," he said.

Special Report: The Christmas Day Terror Attack

The senator's opposition has to do with whether Southers would allow TSA employees to have collective bargaining, which DeMint opposes.

"He will not give me a straight answer," DeMint said. "This is all about politics and not security. What I want is a few hours of debate on Mr. Southers to help focus the nation back on security and get this politics, particularly union politics, out of security apparatus."

DeMint outlined his argument for the hold in an op-ed in the Greenville News: "Today, screeners are permitted to choose to join a union, but collective bargaining would mean that union bosses would represent every TSA screener and security officials would be forced to negotiate with union bosses before making critical and timely security decisions."

More coverage from CBSNews.com:

Christmas Day Attack a Wake-Up Call for Obama
Travelers to U.S. Face Heightened Security
TSA Shuts Down Terminal After Breach
Schumer: Airlines Must be Firm on Security
Studying Arabic a Cover for Abdulmutallab?
U.S. Born Cleric Key Player in Bomb Plot?
Official: We Knew Al Qaeda Planned "Christmas Surprise"

[sunday42]

Why doesn,t BHO just appoint him as a czar? Why is Demint wrong to question this guys crediablity? Aren,t we looking for the best person to fill this position?

[democracy1]

This is nothing more than political grandstanding on DeMint's part. Unions will not be allowed to make decisions that will have any effect on "critical and timely security decisions". It's only a "straw man" argument, nothing more, nothing less. Shame on DeMint. We NEED the TSA to have a firm chain of command in place. Proof? Look at the recent airline security issues. 'Nuff said.

[info-hunter]

Standing in the way and holding up this appoinment is keeping Quick Draw Georges appointee in office way past their time limit which is great for the Retardlicans as it is one more croney in place to sing their praises and tow the party line. Will we never see the end of the Quick Draw George and Darth Cheney freak show?

[truth-b-toll]

Jim Demented and the GOP would like tha USA to fail so they can re-gain POWER!
GOP we know you now.
Vote Dem for DEMOCRACY...

[stn_sage]

Why is it that presidents from either the Democrat or Republican parties have such a difficult time nominating an undisputed, qualified applicant for the post of TSA head?

It appears BOTH parties are more interested in getting someone in the post that they are reasonably assured will 'play politics' at some time in the future if the situation requires it!

I wish that 'B.S.' would stop! Get a quality person in the post and cut the _rap!

[antoniof123]

I have gotten so sick and tired of this I say shut them all down.

[jackp32]

We love you Senator. Keep up the good work.

[GTR5]

This time the Senator is right. Just take a good look at this guy Obama wants appointed. He would be a problem in this post, not a leader.

[sjc_1]

The guy made a mistake 20 years ago, he misused access to some information. Of course this NEVER happens in the senator's office, his staff NEVER dug up some dirt on anyone. Forgive and you shall be forgiven.

[sjc_1]

"..security officials would be forced to negotiate with union bosses before making critical and timely security decisions."

That is absurd. He uses the term "union boss" as if it is part of the mafia and organized crime, how 50s. Get in the 21st century or maybe you want it to go back to the private companies that paid the workers so little that they could make more at the food court.

[Gandalf33]

Utter nonsense. This guy Demint is a traitor to the USA. Holding up an appointment to a dept that oversees security based on his opposition to unions is complete BS.