Obama Choice to Head Aviation Security Agency Advances in Senate

Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger would take over an agency that has been criticized by Congress and civil rights groups.

A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) sign stands at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
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President Barack Obama’s nominee to lead the Transportation Security Administration advanced in the Senate, after airport screeners failed to spot weapons and other banned items.

Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger was approved on a voice vote Monday by the Senate Homeland Security Committee, less than two weeks after the Commerce Committee signed off on his nomination. Acting TSA Administrator Melvin Carraway was reassigned this month.