Congress Rejects Cruz’s Proposal for Airport Security Escorts
Congress has decided not to proceed with a proposal that would provide special security escorts at airports for lawmakers and judges facing credible threats, as reported by The Hill.
The proposal was originally put forward by Sen. Ted Cruz, R, Texas, but was excluded from a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill due to objections from Rep. Bennie Thompson, D, Miss., the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, according to The Hill.
Under the legislation, legislators and judges facing threats would receive security escorts and special screenings at airports, similar to deputy secretaries, congressional leaders, and mayors of large cities, as reported by The Hill.
“It’s crucial that we implement reasonable measures to ensure everyone’s safety,” Cruz told Politico in February, highlighting the “serious security threats facing public officials.”
In 2021, Cruz faced criticism after being photographed at an airport leaving his home state for Cancún during a severe winter storm.
Currently, members of Congress go through Transportation Security Administration screenings like any other traveler.
In 2023, Capitol Police reported investigating 8,008 threats against members of Congress, an increase from 7,501 in 2022. Threats against elected officials generally escalate during an election year, according to Capitol Police.
The TSA opposed the bill, and congressional leaders and administration officials also expressed their opposition, according to The Hill.
Kevin Murphy, executive director of the Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network, stated in February, “The proposal would place a burden on airport police agencies and hinder their ability to address crime prevention and security functions at airports.”
Cruz’s proposal was initially included in an FAA reauthorization bill in February, but the bill is set to expire on May 10, as reported by The Hill.
Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has nearly two decades of experience covering a variety of topics including politics, crime, and business.
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