Rep. Loretta Sanchez Issues Statement On Homeland Security Hearing with Secretary Napolitano

Statement

U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) issued a statement Wednesday following the House Committee on Homeland Security's full committee hearing, featuring Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

During the hearing, Sanchez expressed her enthusiasm concerning the appointment of Secretary Napolitano and pledged to work closely her and the administration on homeland security issues. Sanchez also expressed her particular concerns about the lack of protections and accountability for individuals whose electronic equipment is seized during a border search. During the 110th Congress Sanchez introduced H.R. 6869, the Border Security Search Accountability Act of 2008, which would establish clear guidelines, transparency, accountability, and a redress process for handling the seizure of electronic equipment during border searches.

"I was pleased to welcome Secretary Napolitano at the full House Committee on Homeland Security hearing this morning and I was especially pleased that the Secretary reiterated her commitment to working with me toward enhancing privacy and redress procedures for individuals traveling across our nation's borders. I will be reintroducing the Border Security Search Accountability Act of 2009 in the coming weeks and I thank Secretary Napolitano for her commitment to addressing this critical issue.

"Furthermore, the Secretary stated that she has appointed a Chief Privacy Officer, who will conduct a thorough review of the Department of Homeland Security's policies and procedures implemented during the Bush era - many of which are troublesome. I have been particularly concerned about the need for the Department of Homeland Security to thoroughly safeguard and protect individuals' personal identifying information that is collected through the various frequent traveler programs like NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST; and security credential programs, like TWIC.

"I am confident Secretary Napolitano will continue to reach out to the House Committee on Homeland Security and we look forward to working with her to continue to advance and protect the security of all Americans.

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