Politico reports that the Senate plans to move forward with a proposal from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) that would allow government employees to receive special treatment when passing through airport security.
Under Mr. Cruz's proposed amendment, public officials who would receive special treatment would include federal judges, members of Congress, and cabinet members who have been “subjects of intimidation.” The targets also include family members of officials and some employees.
If approved, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would provide security at commercial airports without “imposing costs or other charges.” Transportation officials told Politico that the previous amendments would burden an already struggling agency.
While the amendments and the bill are still a few steps from becoming law, Cruz celebrated the marking up of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill during Thursday's hearing. Although he did not specifically address the proposed amendment, he did note the issues facing the FAA.
“It's been a long road with some 'delays' and some 'confusion,' but I'm glad we were able to reach a compromise and add this bill,” Cruz told the Senate Commerce Committee.
Cruz said the bill was introduced at a time when the challenges facing the airline industry are “clearly evident.” He cited the recent Alaska Airlines accident in which a door panel was blown off mid-flight, as well as the increasing number of near-misses involving planes on runways.
The part of the bill that would allow public figures to have security escorts is part of the same law that Cruz flew to Cancun, Mexico, in February 2021, leaving millions of people in Texas stranded in subzero temperatures without electricity or running water. This was in response to a widely reported incident.
Photos of Mr. Cruz on vacation with his family at the Houston airport have gone viral, drawing the ire of those who say Mr. Cruz should stay in the state to address the issue.
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) warned of the impact of the measure, saying it could set a “very dangerous precedent that exempts a class of people who are essential to national security from the security process.” Politico reported that he said so.
The Hill has reached out to Cruz's office for further comment.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
