A new federal program that will allow some airports to replace Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers with private security contractors could eventually expand to other airports, including those in Houston.

While George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are not among the first airports selected, the announcement comes just months after travelers at both airports experienced long security lines and delays during a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse.

The Transportation Security Administration recently unveiled TSA Gold+, an expansion of its existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP).