Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) wants to give VIP members a personal security escort at airports as part of an amendment to the bill unveiled Saturday.
politiko report Mr. Cruz’s security screen protects federal judges, Cabinet members, and some family members and staff members. Additionally, the proposed amendments would allow members of Congress to be examined in front of the public without delay.
The outlet also reported that the Texas Republican Party wants to attach the amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization law.
This bill is senate The bill is scheduled to be considered this week by the Senate Commerce Committee, of which Cruz is a ranking member.
Asked about the need for the amendment, Cruz told Politico that it was to ensure political dignitaries were not put at risk when passing through public areas at airports.
Texas Republican File/Senator Ted Cruz gestures while arriving at McAllen Miller International Airport in McAllen, Texas, USA, Thursday, January 10, 2019. (Sergio Flores/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The draft law says additional security would be available to people who are currently or have been the subject of a threat.
Cruz lamented Tuesday that there are “serious security threats facing public servants.” “It is important that we take reasonable steps to keep everyone safe.”
According to a report by Politico, the head of a nonprofit group representing airport police said that Cruz’s proposal would be “more effective than airport police”, especially since the federal budget already underfunds airport police forces. “It’s a burden on police agencies,” he said.
Kevin Murphy, executive director of the Airport Law Enforcement Network, also told Politico that it would divert police from “our fundamental mission of suppressing crime and securing airports.”
