Members of Congress could see increased security while traveling through commercial airports under a proposed amendment being pushed by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).
The measure being proposed by the Texas Republican would allow members of Congress and their family members to request increased security while traveling through airports if they are determined to be currently or previously a “subject of a threat.” The amendment would also apply to federal judges and Cabinet members.
Cruz is seeking to attach the amendment to a larger aviation policy bill that is set to be considered by the Senate Commerce Committee next week.
The bill would have the Transportation Security Administration provide security escort to travel with the member or their family members “through a commercial airport without delay” and at no cost. The security escort would be expected to stay with the member “for the entirety of the time” and would allow the lawmakers or Cabinet members to receive expedited screening outside of public view.
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The bill comes after Cruz was photographed inside an airport while en route to Cancun in 2021 despite the state of Texas experiencing severe effects of a winter storm that left many residents without power. Photos emerged of the Texas senator boarding his flight, which resulted in backlash on social media.
If passed, the amendment would make it far more difficult for lawmakers to become the subject of such criticism online.
