Cedar Rapids Today

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson and Congressman August Pfluger have introduced the No FAMS at the Border Act to prevent the deployment of Federal Air Marshals (FAMS) to the border unless Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas certifies to Congress that there is a crisis at the Southern Border. The legislation has also been endorsed by the Air Marshal National Council.

In a statement, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson expressed her concerns about the diversion of Federal Air Marshals from their primary duty of ensuring the safety of Americans on commercial flights to administrative functions at the Southern Border. She emphasized the importance of enforcing current immigration laws to secure the border and protect Americans both in their daily lives and during air travel.

David Londo, President of the Air Marshal National Council, voiced strong support for Rep. Hinson's legislation, highlighting the need to prioritize the safety of the American people and get Air Marshals back in the air, especially during times of increased security threats to the homeland.

Congressman August Pfluger joined in, emphasizing the critical role of Federal Air Marshals in protecting passengers aboard commercial aircraft and expressing pride in working alongside Rep. Hinson and Senator Ted Cruz to ensure the safety of Americans in the sky.

Senator Ted Cruz raised concerns about the risks posed to the traveling public by taking air marshals off flights and deploying them to the border. He commended Reps. Hinson and Pfluger for their efforts in introducing legislation that addresses this issue and requires certification of a border crisis before reallocating air marshals.

The No FAMS at the Border Act aims to address the trend of increased deployments of air marshals to the border during the Biden Administration by blocking mandatory deployments unless the existence of a border crisis is certified by Secretary Mayorkas to Congress. This legislation seeks to prioritize the security of Americans both in the skies and at the border, amidst heightened security threats and concerns about flight safety.