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On March 1, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be transferred from U.S. Department of Transportation to the Office of Homeland Security.


"We hand over an agency that is fully intact and which does credit to both of our departments," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta in a prepared statement. "Starting from a blank sheet of paper on Nov. 19, 2001, we created an agency of more than 60,000 employees that is truly fulfilling its goal of protecting Americans as they travel across our country, and beyond."


TSA currently employs federal security directors and trained baggage screeners at all of the nation's commercial airports.


"All passenger bags are now screened by explosive detection systems," said Mineta. "Not only have we improved security for the traveling public, but have also cut waiting times at checkpoints."