Rep. Gus Bilirakis is Seeking Answers from TSA after Pipeline Vandalism

During questioning on the subject of the hearing, which was about reported TSA negligencein undermining airport security review, Bilirakis notified Hawley thathe wants a prompt response from his Agency, which assists the U.S.Department of Transportation in the security of the nation's pipelines.

"I want to let you know that I am going to be contacting TSAabout the security of these pipelines, especially in the Tampa Bayarea, and the role that TSA is playing in their inspection andsecurity," said Bilirakis, who will be sending an official letter tothe Agency shortly. "I hope that you will direct the appropriateofficials under your direction to take this matter very seriously andrespond to my inquiry expeditiously."

Congressman Bilirakis'squestioning follows an act of vandalism on Nov. 13 to a 30-mile-longanhydrous ammonia pipeline in Riverview, Fla. Three teenage boys haddrilled a hole into the pipeline in an alleged search for money. Theleak resulted in the release of a noxious chemical cloud and theevacuation of thousands of local residents.

Following thehearing, Bilirakis noted, "This ammonium pipeline leak should be awake-up call about the vulnerabilities of our nation's pipelineinfrastructure." He added, "Many of these pipelines, while crucial toindustry, could be sitting ducks for a terrorist attack resulting in acatastrophe. Just look at how a simple act of vandalism by teenage boysaffected so many people. Imagine how much damage and disruption asophisticated and coordinated terrorist attack could cause."