On the recordJune 6, 2012
I wish to enter into a colloquy with the gentleman from Alabama, Chairman Aderholt. First, I want to commend his leadership on this appropriations bill concerning the security screenings of children by the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA should absolutely have particular sensitivity in the screening process of children and should minimize children's distress and discomfort. I am very thankful to the gentleman for raising this issue in the manager's amendment and for recognizing this need. But as this process moves forward, I would encourage the chairman to stress the importance of this same sensitivity to the elderly and the infirm. We have all seen too many images in high-profile news stories about the mistreatment of the elderly and the infirm as well as of passengers with religious or conscience objections. No good American should be forced to check his modesty at the airport door--maybe his luggage but not his modesty. I also appreciate the fact that the report encourages various alternative screening models that would better preserve the civil liberties and privacy of all passengers by moving toward a more risk- based approach, using intelligence more than relying on technology. I encourage the chairman to continue moving TSA along this path. {time} 2030 Would the chairman be willing to work with me on these issues for the benefit of America's airline passengers?
