ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) -- A new English language proficiency exam requirement for security officers at Reagan National Airport (DCA) is drawing concerns from Virginia Congressmen. Democratic Reps. Gerry Connolly (VA-11) and Don Beyer (VA-08) said the new exam "threatens to displace skilled, experienced workers who have provided invaluable service to our airports for many years," according to a letter sent on March 20 to John E. Potter, CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). According to the Congressmen, in February 2025, Global Security Associates LLC - a new unarmed security guard services contractor - informed many Ethiopian security guards at DCA that they would not be rehired if they failed an English language proficiency exam. DC Council to hold public hearing on cell phone ban for all public, charter schools Some of those officers have dedicated more than 15 years to securing DCA, Connolly and Beyer wrote. 32BJ SEIU, a union representing airport service workers at airports in the area, noted that security workers will be out of work at the end of March, "NOT based on job performance issues, but because they struggled with the interface of a new, timed computer test, allegedly to test their English proficiency." “Firing security workers with 20 years of experience keeping DCA safe does not make us safer,” said Virginia Sen. Jennifer Boysko in a news release from 32BJ SEIU. “I urge MWAA to protect the safety and security of our airports, while also preserving the careers of experienced security officers who have dedicated their time and expertise to the safety of our community.” The Congressmen cited a study that emphasizes the importance of ample experience in maintaining security effectiveness and retaining workers who have been at DCA for years. "Less on-the-job experience can lead to more mistakes, accidents, and overlooked hazards--risks that must be carefully considered in any policy affecting airport security staffing," the letter read. Connolly and Beyer pointed out why efficient security is more important now than ever. In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 145 handguns at Virginia airport security checkpoints - the highest ever in a single year. Among those, DCA had the most firearms detected at checkpoints, with 41 firearms retrieved. The Congressmen urged MWAA to apply the language proficiency requirement when hiring new security guards, but to have incumbent officers be exempt. "This approach would allow experienced personnel to continue their service without disruption while ensuring that new hires meet these updated language standards," they wrote. This approach, they explained, would help maintain safety and security at DCA, while also preserving the careers of security officers who have served millions of travelers. ...read more read less