Senator Cruz Calls for Airport Security Escorts for Lawmakers

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is proposing legislation that would provide lawmakers with a dedicated security escort and expedited airport screening, potentially making their travel less visible to the public, Politico reported.

The proposal, aimed at enhancing the safety of political figures and certain federal officials in airports, is in response to what Cruz says are significant security threats to public officials. The amendment, intended to be added to an aviation policy bill, would also extend these privileges to federal judges, Cabinet members, and some members of their families and staff.

Critics of the legislation, such as Kevin Murphy, the head of the Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network, argue that this would be “a burden to airport police agencies,” which are already facing constrained budgets.

According to Capitol Police, there has been a rise in threats against lawmakers. The Airports Council International-North America has expressed concern over the potential strain on airport resources due to federal security program cuts.