Senators Demand Removal of Partisan Videos at Airports, Allege Federal Law Violation

Strategic Insights -

United States Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have joined their colleagues to criticize the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for potentially violating federal law by asking airports to play partisan videos at TSA checkpoints. The Senators are calling for the immediate removal of the videos and for information about the resources used to create and disseminate them. The move comes at a time when federal employees, including TSA agents, are being asked to work without pay, further exacerbating the issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senators Merkley, Wyden, and colleagues claim that the videos violate federal law, specifically Section 715 of P.L. 118-47, which prohibits using federal funding for partisan political activities.
  • The Senators also argue that the videos violate the Hatch Act and the Anti-Lobbying Act.
  • Airports nationwide, including Portland International Airport (PDX), have refused to play the video due to its partisan nature.
  • The Senators have requested a complete breakdown of the cost of creating and disseminating the video, including funding sources, approval procedures, and outside consultants involved.
  • They have also requested information about who in the Trump Administration was consulted on the decision to create the video, and what they were paid for their work.

Statistics:

  • At least 23 Senators have signed the letter to Secretary Noem, calling for the removal of the videos.
  • The letters were sent by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and several others, including Merkley and Wyden.
  • The Senators have voted seven times in the last two months to provide funding for the government and lower health care costs, but the Republican-controlled Senate has rejected the measure.
  • The cost of creating and disseminating the video is unknown, but the Senators have requested a breakdown of expenses, including production, editing, filming, and circulation.

Sources:

  • [https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-colleagues-call-out-noems-blatant-violation-of-federal-law-with-partisan-airport-video]