Committee Republican Leaders Call for Protocols to Ensure Dignified Treatment of Military Personnel at U.S. Airports

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Committee Republican Leaders Call for Protocols to Ensure Dignified Treatment of Military Personnel at U.S. Airports

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republican leaders issued the following statements upon the conclusion of the Department of Transportation Inspector General (DOT IG) investigation of an incident in September when military personnel returning from duty in Iraq were denied access to the terminal at Oakland International Airport.

"The IG's investigation clearly shows that there is no protocol in place to ensure that our military personnel are treated with dignity and respect at our nation's airports," said U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republican Leader. "That's no excuse for the poor treatment these brave men and women received in exchange for defending our freedoms. I believe Oakland Airport made an error in judgment by preventing these marines and soldiers from entering the terminal. What is even more concerning is the lack of TSA and government policy in the treatment of our returning military at our nation's airports.

"Mr. Petri and I will be calling the relevant parties together to come to agreement on the acceptable manner and proper procedures for welcoming home all those who so courageously serve this nation," Mica said.

"While I am glad the report showed no intentional disrespect to the soldiers on the part of the airport, there is a clear need to establish uniform procedures for charter military flights," said U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI), Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Republican. "The IG has identified several areas where miscommunication led to confusion and mistaken impressions that could have been prevented. Our soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan or any other place around the world deserve better than to be treated as security risks not eligible to enter airport terminals. The various federal agencies and aviation officials need to resolve this, and I stand ready with Mr. Mica to help in this effort."

In September 2007, military personnel returning from Iraq to their base in Hawaii were denied access to the terminal building during a stop at Oakland International Airport. The passengers aboard this military charter had already been screened in Kuwait and granted access to the secure area of the terminal at Kennedy International Airport in New York. In light of these reports, Rep. Mica and Rep. Petri requested the Inspector General to investigate the incident.

The IG recommends that a task force be established to develop and implement a uniform process for handling members of the Armed Forces on all Department of Defense (DOD) chartered flights at U.S. commercial service airports. The IG recommends that this task force includes representatives from the airlines, airports, DOD, DOT and the Department of Homeland Security. The IG's report will be posted at http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=2219.

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