Debate about knives on planes heads to Capitol Hill
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Debate about knives on planes headed to Capitol Hill Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Just how dangerous is a pocket knife? That depends on who you ask.
Opinions are sharply divided after the Transportation Security Administration announced that it would be changing its security policy at airports throughout the nation.
The head of the TSA says that they confiscate more than four tons of small knives each month and he doesn't think that they pose a "catastrophic threat."
And, they are allowed internationally. That is why John Pistole is proposing the change to the current security guidelines, which could go into effect next month.
He says that allowing small knives would allow airport screeners more time to focus on things that could be dangerous and could bring down an aircraft.
But at least one member of Congress is already fighting back. Massachusetts' Ed Markey has introduced what he calls the "No Knives Act," which would stop the TSA from changing any items that are currently prohibited from being allowed on airplanes.
Flight attendants, air marshals, pilots and three major airlines have also expressed doubts about the new policy.
The issue will be head on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
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