Head of TSA security removed following inquiry into agency 'mismanagement'

The head of security at the TSA has been removed from his position as frustration mounts over growing lines in airports. Kelly Hoggan had been the agency's assistant administrator for security operations since 2013, during which time a report from Homeland Security found that the TSA failed to spot 95 percent of concealed weapons and explosives.

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform announced the removal of Hoggan in a tweet, noting that he had been paid more than $90,000 in awards and bonuses in the space of 13 months. Hoggan's removal followed a hearing on May 12th by the committee, in which the TSA was accused of "mismanagement."

"It's a huge bureaucracy."

Security lines at airports around the US have been growing and growing over the last few years, and airlines, passengers, and politicians are all blaming the TSA. "The TSA is destined to fail in its current structure," Congressman John Mica (R-FL) told The Verge last week. "It's a huge bureaucracy." The TSA currently has funding for some 45,000 screeners, but Mica noted that it also has "13,000 more administrative personnel, of which 4,000 are located within a few miles of the US Capital making an average of $104,000 per year. Incompetence highly paid, screeners not well paid."

Hoggan's removal may be a step forward for the TSA, but fixing the agency will be a slow process. Airplane passengers will have to be prepared to wait in line a little longer yet.

• ViaThe Associated Press