NOBODY LOVES THE TSA: GOP fumes as TSA head skips aviation security hearing.

Republicans on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee sharply criticized the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for skipping a scheduled hearing on Thursday. TSA Administrator John Pistole was listed as an invited guest for the hearing, which was focused on the aviation security agency’s impact on commerce in the United States.

But when Aviation Subcommittee Committee Chairman Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.) called Thursday’s meeting to order, Pistole’s seat was empty.

The long-time Wisconsin lawmaker said Pistole’s absence was unacceptable.

“If we want more government stove piping, separation from one sector and another, the TSA’s attitude and actions regarding this hearing achieved that end,” Petri said as he noted the TSA administrator’s absence.

“But if we want better government and coordination between different government activities, Congress must be able to fill its oversight responsibilities,” he continued.

I say, cut their budget. Better still, abolish them — along with the entire Department of Homeland Security.