Via Fox News:
Republican lawmakers have written to the head of the Transportation Security Administration questioning whether a recent contract for new uniforms worth as much as $50 million was money well spent — when officials are warning that budget cuts will cause staff shortages and flight delays.
“The rationale behind the timing of TSA’s uniform contract and other uncertainties surrounding the contract award raise concerns,” the lawmakers wrote. The letter to TSA chief John Pistole was signed by Reps. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and John Mica, R-Fla., who each chair House oversight subcommittees.
The letter comes after the TSA agreed on a deal last month worth up to $50 million to purchase new uniforms. Agency officials signed the contract just days before the start of the $85 billion in federal budget cuts known as sequester.
The TSA, while trying to avert furloughs, says it will first use a hiring freeze and a reduction in overtime to cut costs — while warning this will still result in longer lines at the airport. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano earlier this month said wait times were already going up, though there are mixed reports on such delays.