Last month, numerous lawmakers condemned the Biden Administration for inviting members of the Castro regime to tour TSA facilities in Miami International Airport. This wasn't the first time the invitation was extended, and now a bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to ensure that it doesn't became a case of the third time being the charm. In an effort to avoid the issue, the lawmakers have introduced the bipartisan Secure Airports From Enemies (SAFE) Act.
Shortly after news began to circulate about the recent trip from Cuban officials, lawmakers spanning across the sunshine state began to voice their concerns. In response, Florida Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R), Carlos Gimenez (R), Maria Elvira Salazar (R), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), and Jared Moskowitz (D) have introduced legislation to protect U.S. airports.
Arguing that no State Sponsor of Terrorism should be receiving such a treatment, the lawmakers question by such officials would receive access to sensitive U.S. government facilities.
In a statement, Rep. Diaz-Balar commented that "protecting U.S. airports and sensitive government facilities is crucial to our national security." "American taxpayer money should not be used to allow individuals associated with a country designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism to access any U.S. airport or sensitive government facility."
Rep. Wasserman Schultz, who is the co-chair of the Cuba Democracy Caucus, expressed her concern over "the threat posed to Floridians and U.S. national security by Cuban officials touring secure areas at Miami International Airport." As such, the legislation would "protect Americans from transnational surveillance, repression, and terrorism, and safeguard our ongoing support for pro-democracy voices suffering under the cruelty of autocratic regimes like Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran."
Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R), who's introducing the companion bill in the U.S. Senate, also denounced the invitation.
"It’s absurd America has hosted officials from nations currently designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism. We must ensure this administration is not enabling foreign operatives to learn of our aviation security measures aimed at keeping Americans safe."
