Joel Rose

Customs and Border Protection to use a counterdrone laser system before the FAA had completed its safety review.

The FAA later shut down a smaller area in West Texas after a similar incident.

In coordinated press releases, the FAA and the Pentagon say they've completed that safety review after watching demonstrations of the system last month.

Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.

President Trump's budget proposes cutting funding for the TSA, the Transportation Security Administration, by more than $50 million.

And it would require small airports to enroll in a program in which TSA pays for private contractors to staff security checkpoints.

That program has existed for years, but only 20 airports are enrolled.

The Trump administration argues that privatized screening would save taxpayers money.

But critics, including the union that represents TSA officers, say it would undermine security.

The budget request reflects the White House's priorities, but it's Congress that ultimately sets and approves spending levels.

And lawmakers are still deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security in this year's budget.

Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.

President Trump's budget proposes cutting funding for the TSA, the Transportation Security Administration, by more than $50 million.

And it would require small airports to enroll in a program in which TSA pays for private contractors to staff security checkpoints.

That program has existed for years, but only 20 airports are enrolled.

The Trump administration argues that privatized screening would save taxpayers money.

But critics, including the union that represents TSA officers, say it would undermine security.

The budget request reflects the White House's priorities, but it's Congress that ultimately sets and approves spending levels.

And lawmakers are still deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security in this year's budget.

Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.