Fortenberry Challenges TSA's Aggressive Screening Methods

Press Release

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today challenged the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)'s new airport passenger screening policies.

Last year, Fortenberry joined a broad bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in voting against the primary use of full-body scanners in airports. TSA recently adopted policies that those passengers refusing full-body scanners would be subjected to physical pat-down searches, which have been objected to by many Americans.

"TSA is overly reliant on technology where other countries rely on intelligence," said Fortenberry. "Many Americans' sensibilities are violated, and rightfully so, by the recent aggressive move by TSA to subject innocent passengers--including children-- to embarrassing, highly physical, and potentially hazardous searches. There is a delicate balance between ensuring national security and protecting civil liberties, but being forced to check one's modesty and physical integrity at the airport door is alarming. While our security officials intend to thwart the actions of those who wish to do us harm, their policies should not cause the kind of distress to the general American public that we are seeing."

Fortenberry called for an immediate oversight hearing to examine TSA's practices. He is a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

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