U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) on June 4 joined members of the Florida congressional delegation in introducing legislation to protect national security by preventing foreign operatives from terrorist sponsoring countries from touring secured areas of U.S. airports.
Rep. Salazar signed on as an original cosponsor of the Secure Airports From Enemies (SAFE) Act, H.R. 8608, led by bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-FL). The bipartisan bill, also cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), would prohibit individuals from touring sensitive antiterrorism infrastructure in airports while on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List.
In May, officials from the Castro regime were granted access to secure Transportation Security Administration (TSA) antiterrorism facilities at Miami International Airport and were able to view sensitive security protocols at the airport, the congresswoman’s office stated.
“The Biden Administration allowing the Cuban Regime to tour sensitive areas of Miami International Airport is a major security breach and should never have happened,” said Rep. Salazar. “Congress must step in to ensure we do not parade the Cuban Regime or any other State Sponsor of Terrorism around secure U.S facilities.”
Rep. Salazar condemned the move, stating that allowing officials from a regime on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List is a major national security breach. In response, Rep. Salazar joined Rep. Giménez and other lawmakers in sending a letter on May 21 to the heads of the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asking for an explanation for the visit.
“I am proud to help lead this bill to 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,” added Rep. Wasserman Schultz.