What does the Screening Partnership Program specifically allow regarding TSA screening?

The Screening Partnership Program (SPP) allows airports to partner with private companies to conduct passenger and baggage screening while still maintaining oversight from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). A key aspect of the program is that it enables TSA to select and approve the contractors that will perform these screening tasks at participating airports.

This arrangement ensures that even though private entities are involved in the screening process, the TSA retains control over the quality and consistency of the security measures implemented. It strikes a balance between utilizing the potential efficiencies and innovations of private screening operations while upholding federal security standards.

In other options, the assertion about airports having complete autonomy does not accurately reflect the role of TSA, which remains involved in the security operations. The idea that passengers can choose their own screeners misunderstands the regulated screening process, where security measures must adhere to specific guidelines set by the TSA. Lastly, the notion that all TSA personnel must be replaced contradicts the program's framework, which necessitates TSA oversight alongside private contract screening.