TSA gets approval to profile passengers
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration needed an exemption from new Obama administration rules restricting racial profiling by the government so the TSA could target travelers for extra scrutiny based on their nationality and gender, the head of the agency said Tuesday.
The TSA more closely scrutinizes travelers from Syria, Yemen and other nations that are home to individuals and groups that may be plotting to sneak a bomb on board an airliner, John Pistole, the agency’s administrator, said in an interview.
“It’s not to use race to profile anybody, but it’s a way to identify people – particularly people flying internationally to the U.S.,” Pistole said.
Congress approves bill to help disabled
WASHINGTON – Congress has given final approval to the most sweeping legislation to help the disabled in a quarter century. The bill would allow Americans with disabilities to open tax-free bank accounts to pay for needs such as education and health care.
The Democratic-led Senate passed the measure Tuesday evening after it was attached to a bill extending dozens of tax breaks for individuals and businesses. Earlier this month, the House overwhelmingly approved the measure.
The bill now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.
Associated Press
