The agency calls the program an update to the Screening Partnership Program, in which 20 U.S. airports currently use private security screeners rather than federal workers.

The Transportation Security Administration is expanding private partnerships through TSA Gold+ to improve checkpoint operations.

The proposal would require hundreds of small airports to join the Screening Partnership Program and shift thousands of TSA jobs.

The agency calls the program an update to the Screening Partnership Program, in which 20 U.S. airports currently use private security screeners rather than federal workers.

The new initiative will enable private companies to take on a larger role in airport security screening.