The senate confirmed Coast Guard vice admiral Peter Neffenger to be the new administrator at the Transportation Security Administration in an 81 to 1 vote June 22.

Neffenger has served as the vice commandant of the Coast Guard since May of 2014. He joined the Coast Guard in 1981 and has served as the deputy commandant for operations, the director of strategic management and doctrine, the deputy national incident command for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and in other capacities.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said he had the utmost faith in Neffenger and is confident he will be a strong leader of TSA.

"Admiral Neffenger understands the challenges we face, and I know he is ready to take them on at TSA," Johnson said.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., and chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said Neffenger will be responsible for transforming a troubled agency facing serious allegations about its ability to secure air travel.

"Since becoming chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, one of my key priorities has been to help Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson succeed in his mission to keep our nation safe. The TSA is a critical component of the Department of Homeland Security and one that is vital to our nation's security," Johnson said.

The inspector general at DHS said in a recent report it was able to get banned items – including fake explosives - through the screening process 67 out of 70 times it conducted covert tests. Johnson reassigned the acting administrator and vowed to pursue internal reforms to strengthen security.

He said Neffenger should think "outside the box" as he works to improve TSA and expedite legal commerce and travel while securing the nation's air transportation system.

Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., the ranking member of the committee, said the role of TSA administrator is important, and Neffenger has the expertise to be able to navigate through the competing demands of TSA's mission.

"He has shown the willingness to take on a difficult and demanding job as Administrator, and an unequivocal commitment to confront the challenges facing TSA today. Adm. Neffenger is a steadfast public servant, and a man of character and integrity," Carper said.

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