U.S. Senator Rand Paul | U.S. Senator Rand Paul official website
U.S. Senator Rand Paul | U.S. Senator Rand Paul official website
U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has sent a letter to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David P. Pekoske requesting information related to the management of watchlists and screening procedures by TSA. This request follows disclosures from whistleblowers raising concerns that mechanisms in the TSA Quiet Skies program may have been used improperly to target individuals based on their political views and participation in constitutionally protected activities.
Senator Paul highlighted several allegations in his letter, including claims that former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard was subjected to heightened surveillance after criticizing the current administration publicly. Additionally, a Federal Air Marshal reported that his wife was labeled a "domestic terrorist" and subjected to Special Mission Coverage (SMC) after attending a political rally in Washington, D.C., despite her documented mobility disability making it impossible for her to engage in alleged activities.
“These allegations echo concerns highlighted in a previous report by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), which identified critical deficiencies in TSA’s management of the Quiet Skies program,” said Senator Paul.
Dr. Paul's letter requests unredacted copies of all documents, guidelines, data, and internal communications related to the management of watchlists and screening procedures within the Quiet Skies program.
The Air Marshal National Council (AMNC) and Empower Oversight support Dr. Paul's efforts. Sonya LaBosco, Executive Director of AMNC, stated: “The Quiet Skies surveillance program must end... We sincerely appreciate Senator Paul’s tireless efforts.” Tristan Leavitt, President of Empower Oversight, added: “Whistleblowers are key to spotting and reporting abuses in government... It’s time for Congress and the Inspector General to get to the bottom.”
The full letter can be read [HERE].
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