Keeping Veterans in the Fast Lane: Doggett, SA Delegation Urge TSA to Provide Accessible Security Checks
***Press Release***
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2019 | Contact: Kate Stotesbery 202-225-4865 |
Keeping Veterans in the Fast Lane: Doggett, SA Delegation Urge TSA to Provide Accessible Security Checks
Washington, D.C. — This afternoon, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-San Antonio), led the San Antonio delegation in urging Transportation Safety Administrator David Pekoske to heed San Antonio International Airport's request for additional Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines for the expanded Terminal A security checkpoint. Fulfilling this request will help give smoother more efficient travel to those with metal implants, especially our veterans. San Antonio, known as Military City USA, is the proud home of a large population of veterans, many with metal implants.
TSA had indicated to the San Antonio Airport that it was unable to source these machines. This effort is joined by Reps. Joaquin Castro, Henry Cuellar, Will Hurd, and Chip Roy. The full letter is available here and copied in full below:
July 17, 2019
Mr. David P. Pekoske
Administrator
Transportation Security Administration
TSA HQ-East Tower
601 South 12th Street
Arlington, VA 20598
RE: Request for Equipment Support for the San Antonio International Airport
Dear Administrator Pekoske:
Our local veterans need your help. We write in strong support of the San Antonio International Airport's request for additional Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines for the expanded Terminal A security checkpoint. We were disappointed to hear that TSA will be unable to source the machines.
The procurement of these machines is critical to ensuring a smooth, efficient, passenger-friendly experience while upholding a secure environment. San Antonio, known as Military City USA, has a large population of veterans, many of whom have metal implants. This causes delays as a result of many passengers being unable to use a walk-through metal detector.
We understand that the AIT machines were expected to be made available for the new lane and that no new machines need to be purchased by TSA for them to be made available to San Antonio. Please provide an explanation for why the AIT machines are not being provided, as expected, by July 24.
Additionally, if the AIT machines continue to be unavailable, please provide the number of functional AIT machines not currently in use and the reason each machine is not in use.
We look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Lloyd Doggett
Joaquin Castro
Henry Cuellar
Will Hurd
Chip Roy
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