What significant action did TSA take in 2002 concerning aviation security rules?

In 2002, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) made a crucial move by transferring aviation security rules from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to itself. This transition marked a significant restructuring of aviation security oversight in the United States, primarily in response to the events of September 11, 2001. The TSA was established as a response to these events, with an explicit mandate to enhance the security of the U.S. transportation system, which included aviation.

By managing these security rules, the TSA aimed to create a more robust approach to handling threats and vulnerabilities in the aviation sector, paving the way for standardized security practices across all U.S. airports. This consolidation of authority under the TSA allowed for more streamlined decision-making and implementation of enhanced security measures, which were deemed necessary to protect passengers and aircraft.

This decision was part of a broader effort to reform homeland security, ensuring that aviation safety and security were redirected to a dedicated agency focused entirely on those goals. Other options regarding the establishment of specific assessments or employee requirements, while significant in their own right, are subsequent implications of the TSA's expanded role, stemming from the initial transfer of authority in aviation security.