Senate confirms Neffenger as TSA chief

WASHINGTON – The Senate confirmed Peter Neffenger as head of the Transportation Security Administration on Monday.

Neffenger was widely supported for the post after 34 years in public service capped as vice admiral of the Coast Guard. But lawmakers of both parties had criticized the Obama administration for taking too long to name a successor to John Pistole, who announced his departure in October and retired from public service at the end of 2014.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the 81-1 vote will bring long-overdue leadership to an agency in urgent need of change.

"I wish the White House hadn't waited six months to send us a nominee to lead this troubled agency," McConnell said. "The American people will be counting on Mr. Neffenger to validate the trust their elected representatives place in him tonight by pursuing every necessary reform in the wake of such troubling findings."

TSA has come under fire in recent months from a criminal investigation of gun smuggling past airport checkpoints and watchdog reports that found checkpoint officers unable to detect bombs during screening and found loopholes in screening airline and airport workers.

Sen. Thomas Carper of Delaware, the top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, said TSA has a tough job scrutinizing 1.8 million travelers each day while everyone wants to move quickly.

Carper said Neffenger demonstrated excellent leadership skills at the Coast Guard and has a clear vision for TSA.

Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, the top Democrat on the transportation panel, praised Neffenger for his work on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

"He will give leadership to an agency that needs strong leadership right now," Nelson said.