Ranking Member Thompson Statement on Kristi Noem Continuing to Play Politics with National Security as She Ends Quiet Skies Program
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ending the Transportation Security Administration’s “Quiet Skies” security program and continuing to lie about the program’s use:
“Kristi Noem is lying when she pretends that the Quiet Skies security program was previously politicized. If she is searching for an example of the political weaponization of her department, all she needs is a mirror. Since her first day on the job, she has been singularly obsessed with politics instead of DHS’s mission of keeping the country secure. It is truly bizarre she is begging for a politicalized Congressional investigation into this matter when she runs a Department of 240,000 that can conduct its own – unless it already has completed an investigation and found nothing. That said, I am happy to launch an investigation into what’s really going on here and I look forward to her full compliance.
“To be clear, Tulsi Gabbard being targeted by TSA’s targeting systems was automatic and well deserved. This process has worked the same under administrations of both parties, including the first Trump administration. She can only blame herself – and the Trump administration’s herculean effort to cast her as a victim here is not supported by the facts. The notion that current or former members of Congress are special and should be automatically exempt, regardless of the facts, from security rules or security screening – like some Republicans have argued – is asinine.
“My Committee has also discovered that in recent weeks Trump officials at DHS are targeting and scapegoating career employees at TSA who were simply doing their jobs and following the law. Some who were sidelined were not even involved in this program. This shameful attempt to dismantle a national security agency that protects us from terror attacks will only make us less safe. TSA cannot afford to lose any more experienced officials under this administration. TSA – and TSA personnel – did nothing wrong and shouldn’t suffer just because the administration wants to distract from Tulsi Gabbard’s shady dealings.”
“Perhaps instead of using DHS as a political weapon in service to Trump, Secretary Noem should just do her job and ensure the Department is following the law and the Constitution. Perhaps instead of blaming the Biden administration for her poor choices, Tulsi Gabbard should be more careful with who she associates with.”
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