JacksonLee

Contact: Shashrina Thomas (202) 225-3816

Washington, Nov 22 -
CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CALLS FOR CALM AND ADHERENCE TO SECURITY PROCEDURES DURING THE BUSIEST TRAVEL SEASON OF THE YEAR

CHAIRWOMAN JACKSON LEE WILL ANNOUNCE NEW INITIATVES

“I consider the security of the traveling public as a paramount concern. However, we must balance our interests in security with our constitutional right to privacy. ”
HOUSTON – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Chairwoman for the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, will be joined by Mario Diaz, Director of the Houston Airport System, Ann Testa, Federal Security Director and Hector Vela, Deputy Federal Security Director from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas during a Press Conference at Terminal C. Together, they will discuss TSA’s enhanced pat down procedures and the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) being implemented at passenger security checkpoints in our Nation’s airports.

During the holiday travels in our Nation’s airports, Americans can be expected to be directed to pass through either a magnetometer or an AIT unit.  If you pass through a magnetometer and the alarm is triggered, you will receive a thorough pat-down by someone of the same gender. If you are directed to pass through an AIT, you may opt out. If you choose to opt out, you will receive a thorough pat-down by someone of the same gender. In either case where a pat-down is required, you have important rights to be considered. Particularly, you have the right to request that the pat-down be conducted in a private room, and you have the right to have the pat-down witnessed by a person of your choice.

“People have a right to opt out of the AIT machines--and they will get a pat down. But people don't have a right to opt out of screening altogether.  We hope individuals don't deliberately disrupt travel and the security of their fellow travelers during the busy holiday,” commented Congresswoman Jackson Lee

The vast majority of Americans understand the serious threats we face and want to be willing partners in their security when it comes to traveling on airplanes. To protect the traveling public, rigorous privacy safeguards need to continue to be implemented by the TSA. Several partners in the international community have similar screening methods, and we will continue to work together to enhance aviation security. “I am a strong advocate for the TSA and I support the determined efforts of the committed men and women of TSA to secure our transportation systems from terrorist attacks,” commented Congresswoman Jackson Lee. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee looks forward to working with the TSA to ensure that these enhanced pat downs are not violating any civil or privacy concerns.

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