WASHINGTON – Major Gen. Robert A. Harding's nomination as President Obama's choice as the next leader of the Transportation Security Administration has been delivered to the Senate.
If confirmed, Harding, a retired U.S. Army officer with 33 years of experience, would become assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. The TSA has been without an administrator since President Obama took office.
“I am confident that Bob’s talent and expertise will make him a tremendous asset in our ongoing efforts to bolster security and screening measures at our airports," said President Obama in a statement this week. "I can think of no one more qualified than Bob to take on this important job, and I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”
Harding would also direct the overall operations for TSA's Office of Highway and Motor Carrier, which oversees the First Observer program for school bus drivers and other commercial drivers that seeks to collect information on suspicious activities that are observed on the nation's roads and highways. William Arrington remains the GM of TSA HMC.
Harding is a recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters. Most recently, he was CEO of Harding Security Associates. Harding sold the company last year.