Katko introduces bipartisan bill to halt air travel between U.S., Cuba pending security review

Legislation recently introduced by U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) would prevent flights to and from Cuba until security and screening concerns can be resolved at airports in the country.

The Cuban Airport Security Act, H.R. 5728, would pause commercial air travel between the countries until the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can verify that appropriate security measures are in place at Cuban airports.

“I still have serious concerns about the capabilities of Cuba’s airport screening equipment and procedures, how Cuban airport workers are vetted, and whether or not Federal Air Marshals will even be able to fly missions on American plans to and from Cuba,” Katko said. “As the chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee, I believe it is my duty to do everything in my power to ensure the security of the traveling American public and I take that duty very seriously. That is why I have introduced legislation to stop the Administration from moving forward with flights to Cuba until these security concerns are adequately addressed.”

Prior to introducing the bill, Katko and a bipartisan group of legislators were denied visas for a visit to Cuba to examine security measures at airports in the country.

U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX), the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) joined Katko in introducing the bill.