At least she replied. Haven't heard from Cornyn.
Dear Friend:
Thank you for contacting me regarding airline safety and security. I welcome your thoughts and comments.
As the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, I understand the importance of aviation security. Since our nation was attacked on 9/11, we have instituted many effective policies to protect us against the threat of future terrorist attacks. Many of these policies naturally impact the transportation sectors in the U.S., particularly at airports. Unfortunately, these security policies systematically failed with the nearly successful terrorist attack on one of our airliners on Christmas Day 2009 by an Al Qaeda-trained Nigerian terrorist. This disturbing incident highlights the evolving nature of terrorist threats against our country.
In response to the December 25, 2009 attempted attack, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced plans to enhance passenger screening and detection capabilities, including an increase in the deployment of advanced imaging technology (AIT) machines, also known as "body imaging scanners", from 878 units to 1,800 units by 2014. The AIT produces an image of a passenger's body that a screener can use to identify objects or anomalies on the outside of the physical body. TSA officials have also indicated they hope to use this technology for primary screening where feasible, rather than as a strictly secondary measure. However, passengers concerned for their personal privacy may always opt for traditional screening methods.
We must ensure that the federal security agencies entrusted with protecting us can adapt the detection and prevention measures we employ to stay ahead of these changing threats. It is clear that the current measures in place were inadequate to prevent this type of plot. The country was very fortunate that when the device malfunctioned the crew and passengers of flight 253 acted heroically. Our nation must do better.
Along with this increased commitment comes an increased responsibility on the part of the security agents and administrators. TSA must pay close attention to the privacy concerns of individuals, consistently demonstrate reasonable judgment, and perform its duties in a highly professional manner. Failure to exercise sound judgment and professionalism is not acceptable. Please be assured that I will continue to do everything in my power to hold security providers accountable.
I appreciate hearing from you, and I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me on any issue that is important to you.
Sincerely,
Kay Bailey Hutchison
United States Senator
284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-5922 (tel)
202-224-0776 (fax)
http://hutchison.senate.gov