Holiday Harassment at the Airport

As the holiday season approaches the TSA has announced a number of new travel regulations that have earned protests from travelers, activists, and even workers in the airline industry. The new measures, which have been in varying levels of effect at airports across America, force passengers to choose between a full body scanner and a very thorough pat-down. Many travelers who have already experienced the new requirements opted for the pat-down out of a fear of radiation in the body scanner but said they felt uncomfortable and violated. This has resulted in a growing fear of sexual harassment at the airport and promises by several district attorneys that all sexual harassment cases filed against the TSA will be taken very seriously. Although a CNN commentator stated that he was not upset by the experience, he compared the pat-down to a trip “to the doctor for a physical.” Not exactly what most Americans have in mind for a trip to the airport.

As a result of all the conflict Texas Congressman Ron Paul has introduce the “American Traveler Dignity Act” to revoke some of the rights of the TSA and protect the privacy of travelers from overly-invasive search procedures. In a speech on the House floor Paul defended his bill and implored his fellow Congressmen for support. Although this issue has crossed party lines with both Democrats and Republicans opposing the new measures, it is unlikely much will be done before the travel rush of the Christmas Season. Paul has just introduced this bill and it must first pass through both houses of Congress before the president sees it. Even if it gains a large amount of support it is most likely going to face a number of revisions and amendments before going into effect. By the time all is said and done, most Christmas travelers will have already faced the decision between full body scans and pat-downs despite Paul’s legislative efforts. For the sake of future travelers Paul must be diligent and efficient to ensure that the policy window does not close on him before Americans move on the next controversial issue, forgetting completely about the American Traveler Dignity Act.