Earlier this month, the new assistant secretary of homeland security at TSA directed his staff to provide a broad review and to update the agency?s application of counter-terrorism procedures to reduce threats and to allay air travel passengers’ aggravation at security check point.

Edmund “Kip” Hawley (transcript), confirmed to the position in June, wanted the focus to be on how the TSA can change screening procedures for the two million air passengers each day. TSA officials plan to meet this month to go over the proposals, which would require Hawley?s approval before they go into effect. His staff?s initial recommendations include suggestions to lift the ban on various carry-on items currently barred including scissors, razor blades, and knives less than five inches long and repealing the need for passengers to remove their shoes for screening.