New TSA Screening Procedures

Statement

The Department of Homeland Security has currently installed 314 Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) devices in airports across the country and they are set to increase this number by 2011. If passengers do not wish to go through the AIT they can opt-out of the body scanner for an enhanced "pat-down" by a TSA agent.

These new guidelines by the TSA have been instituted for airport security based on the latest intelligence. The intent is to protect all passengers in the wake of several attempted terrorist attacks on planes. We can all agree that above all, it is important that when a passenger boards a flight, they have the highest confidence that everybody else on that flight has been screened. Your concern for privacy is certainly justifiable and we must ensure these procedures do not unduly exploit or burden innocent travelers. While aviation security is critical for passenger safety, we cannot allow authorities to continue to impose reactive guidelines on passengers without a legitimate cause.

Our scarce resources should be used in the most efficient and effective way possible to identify those who would do us harm, and not infringe upon the rights of innocent Americans.

I pledge to investigate these procedures to improve aviation security and secure the rights and privacy of passengers. As a Member of Congress I will continue to work with my colleagues to refocus TSA procedures and improve their performance when it comes to security and screening processes.

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