Citing “numerous complaints” and concerns about the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new enhanced security measures at airports nationwide, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., sought clarification about the new procedures from Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.
“While I recognize the importance of rigorous screening to ensure the safety and security of air travel, some questions have arisen as to the nature of these procedures and their invasiveness,” Chambliss wrote in a letter to Napolitano.
The new measures include full-body scanners that take detailed images of travelers or pat downs for travelers who opt out of the scan.
“Constituents question the increasingly invasive nature of these procedures given the heavy burden the traveling public is already facing,” Chambliss wrote. “What are the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and TSA doing to address these concerns? Has TSA undertaken any efforts to improve communication with the public on these more aggressive screening procedures?
“In addition, in light of recent news reports alleging inappropriate conduct by certain TSA employees when conducting pat-downs, what measures have TSA and DHS taken or plan to take to ensure the professionalism of its employees?” Chambliss added.
