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Airports

Senators Demand Removal of Partisan Videos at Airports

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Senate Democrats, led by Senators Adam Schiff, Richard Blumenthal, and Jack Reed, have called out Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem for violating federal law by asking airports to play partisan videos at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. The videos, which accuse Democrats in Congress of not funding the government, are deemed a blatant violation of Section 715 of P.L. 118-47, the Hatch Act, and the Anti-Lobbying Act.

The Senators, who have signed a letter to Noem demanding the immediate removal of the videos and providing information about the resources used to create and disseminate them, argue that this move is not only a violation of law but also an insult to the thousands of TSA employees serving in the department. The videos have been refused by several airports, including John Wayne Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senators' letter to Noem was signed by 18 Democratic Senators, including Adam Schiff, Richard Blumenthal, and Jack Reed.
  • The videos, which were played at TSA checkpoints, accuse Democrats in Congress of not funding the government and are deemed a blatant violation of the Hatch Act and the Anti-Lobbying Act.
  • The Senators argue that the videos are a misuse of federal funds and an insult to the thousands of TSA employees serving in the department.
  • The Democrats have refused to play the videos at several airports, including John Wayne Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.
  • The Senators demand that Noem provide information about the resources used to create and disseminate the videos, including the cost of production, editing, filming, and circulation.
  • The Senators also request the names of individuals outside the Department of Homeland Security who were involved in the decision to create the video and the roles they played in its production and dissemination.

Statistics:

  • 18 Democratic Senators signed the letter to Noem demanding the removal of the videos.
  • The videos were played at TSA checkpoints in airports across the country.
  • 7 Democratic Senators voted in favor of funding the government and lowering healthcare costs.
  • The Republican-controlled Senate has repeatedly rejected the measure.
  • The cost of producing and disseminating the video is unknown, but the Senators have requested a breakdown of the costs.
  • Several airports have refused to play the video.

Sources:

  • Senate news release: "Sen. Schiff Joins Sens. Blumenthal and Reed in Calling Out Noem's Blatant Violation of Hatch Act with Partisan Airport Video"
  • Letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem from 18 Democratic Senators
  • Original text: https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-joins-sens-blumenthal-and-reed-in-calling-out-noems-blatant-violation-of-hatch-act-with-partisan-airport-video/

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