The TSA May Be Using Your Spare Change to Help Our Troops

The LegalMatch Law Blog has kept up with the happenings of the TSA, which has often been in the news.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is making headlines yet again due to a proposed bill which will allow the TSA to give the United Service Organizations (USO) spare change found in the bins at airport security check points.  This bill has sparked a heated discussion.  After all, in an economy like ours, there is bound to be many opinions on what to do with extra large sums of money.

For most of us, when we see spare change lying around, we rarely think it could add up to a substantial amount.  Well, most of us are wrong!  In 2010, loose change left in the rectangular plastic bins we all throw our stuff in at airport security check points totaled to $376,480.39!  In 2009, this amount was over $399,000!  Apparently, one person’s spare change is turning in to the TSA’s treasure.  Recently, Nico Melendez, a TSA spokesperson, informed people that the unclaimed change is being turned over to the TSA finance office.

Jeff Miller, the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, has introduced a bill that would allow the TSA to transfer the unclaimed money to the United Service Organizations (USO).  The USO is a private nonprofit organization that operates centers for the military at various airports around the United States.  Miller’s reasoning is that the money left behind belongs to the taxpayers and therefore it should be put to good use.  There can be no better use than giving the money to the USO to help with airport service for active military members.  The bill is currently being considered by the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation.

This bill has sparked a heated discussion amongst many.  Proponents of the bill feel that it is very noble for American taxpayers to contribute to the troops and their families.  The USO’s Senior Vice President, Frank Thorp, stated that any funds will be used to provide comfortable areas where troops and their families can get in touch and spend time together.

Proponents feel that not only is this cause noble, but also well-deserved.  If troops can travel to different countries and risk their lives fighting for the citizens of this county, can we not show our appreciation by providing funding to ensure comfort while getting in touch with their loved ones?  Is this not our duty?  Many feel that it is.  We, as Americans, have a duty to show our appreciation to our wonderful troops.

Opponents feel that the TSA has no right to use the money.  They claim that the TSA has already troubled passengers with invasive search methods and should not be rewarded for doing so by being given control of such large sums of money.  Rather than allowing the TSA to keep the money, it should be donated to charitable organizations or used in making airport procedures more efficient to ease the experience of travelers.

There is of course a compromise that can be considered.  Some of the money can be donated to the USO, while another sum can be donated towards making airport procedures more efficient to increase the convenience of travelers.  For opponents who feel that the TSA should not be in control of such large sums of money, they can push for having signs near security check points cautioning travelers to check the security bins carefully before rushing off to the gate.  A simple “check for loose change” sign can help certify that travelers’ money remains with them at all times.

The possibilities for other compromises between the two views are endless.  If this bill gets passed, which may be surprising since it was not given much attention when it was first proposed in 2009, then knowing that our money is being contributed to helping the troops is a great thing.  Either way, knowing that such a large amount of money can, and will be used towards some charitable goal is a great thing.  In the end, it seems like a win-win situation for all.