OH, THAT'S JUST DUCKY – AT 1:17 P.M. ET:  Absolute gross negligence.  From CNS: 

At a House Homeland Security Committee hearing Wednesday, a top Transportation Security Administration official admitted that federal air marshals are not currently allowed on non-chartered commercial flights between the U.S. and Cuba, despite reports to the contrary.

Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.) questioned Dr. Huban Gowardia, deputy administrator for the Transportation Security Administration, about a draft agreement between the TSA and the Cuban government which would allow federal air marshals on commercial flights.

Gowardia admitted that the agreement, which was sent to the Cuban government in August, has not yet been signed.

“There was timeline that was produced by the Department of Homeland Security. Do you have that in front of you?” Katko asked Gowardia.

“I just received it, sir,” Gowardia said.

“And accompanying that timeline—and it lists various events happening with Cuba since 2010, various security-related events and what they’ve done in that regard – TSA and Homeland Security. Is that right?” Katko asked.

“Yes, sir,” Gowardia said.

COMMENT:  That is disgraceful.  We shouldn't even have flights between the U.S. and Cuba unless there are air marshals assigned.  The relationship between the two countries is still toxic, and airline passengers are being put at risk.

Not much sense of urgency, is there?

September 17, 2016