Sen. Tuberville Calls for Privatizing TSA Amid Shutdown

Alabama senator says federal government can't run airport security effectively.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:05pm by Ben Kaplan

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During a weekly call with reporters, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said he supports privatizing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), citing the agency as "over bloated and inefficient." Tuberville and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, introduced the "Abolish TSA Act of 2025" last year, which would dissolve the TSA within three years and transfer airport screening to private companies.

Why it matters

The TSA has faced ongoing criticism over long security lines, inefficiency, and the agency's role during government shutdowns when its employees are required to work without pay. Tuberville's comments add to the debate over the future of airport security in the U.S.

The details

Tuberville pointed to airports like Kansas City and San Francisco that use private security contractors as examples of more efficient models. He said the federal government "can't do anything right" when it comes to running airport security.

  • In 2025, Tuberville and Sen. Mike Lee introduced the "Abolish TSA Act of 2025".
  • During his weekly call with reporters on March 26, 2026, Tuberville made his comments about privatizing the TSA.

The players

Sen. Tommy Tuberville

A Republican senator from Alabama who has called for privatizing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Sen. Mike Lee

A Republican senator from Utah who co-sponsored the "Abolish TSA Act of 2025" with Tuberville.

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What they’re saying

“There are several airports like Kansas City and San Francisco that don't have long lines. I wonder why? Because they aren't run by the federal government. They are privatized. And that's what we should do to every airport.”

— Sen. Tommy Tuberville

“The TSA is 'over bloated and inefficient'. While he's thankful TSA workers are showing up without getting paid, Tuberville said it's time for major change to airport security.”

— Sen. Tommy Tuberville

What’s next

The "Abolish TSA Act of 2025" introduced by Tuberville and Lee remains pending in Congress.

The takeaway

Tuberville's call to privatize the TSA adds to the ongoing debate over the agency's role and effectiveness, with proponents arguing private security could be more efficient while critics raise concerns about oversight and consistency across airports.