Cummins said current TSA employees would have the right of first refusal for screening jobs at participating airports, and that most would accept and stay in those roles.

Cummins acknowledged uncertainty about any near-term plans by Homeland Security to pull CBP officers from airports in sanctuary cities, recognizing that politics can impact aviation security.

The coverage places TSA within the broader legacy of its creation after 9/11 and the ongoing debate over privatizing screening versus maintaining a federal workforce.

He testified at his Senate confirmation hearing to lead the Transportation Security Administration and sought to ease concerns about expanding private airport screening under the SPP.

The nominee argues the Screening Partnership Program (SPP) is pro-worker, noting that airports using private screeners continued paying their staff during prior government shutdowns and he pledges to prioritize front-line TSA officers if confirmed.

He indicated he had not been briefed on any near-term plan by Homeland Security Secretary Mullin to pull CBP officers from airports in sanctuary cities, while acknowledging political influence can affect aviation security.

Cummins comes from a background in Serco, a government contracting company, with experience in transportation technology development and operations planning, including work related to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Media notes a LinkedIn profile (now removed) that attributed to Cummins the development of transportation technologies and leadership of operations planning for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City while at Serco.

As head of a TSA with about 60,000 employees at more than 440 airports, Cummins would assume leadership amid morale and staffing challenges intensified by the recent shutdown.

Democratic lawmakers and TSA unions warn that expanding the SPP could undermine TSA employees and privatize a core government function; Cummins pledged to be candid with Congress if any directive endangered TSA operations.

The confirmation comes as TSA faces staffing shortages, morale concerns, and long wait times amid funding uncertainties and past shutdown impacts.

He acknowledged political influences on aviation security and promised transparency if directives threatened TSA operations.