I sent emails to my senators yesterday through their websites, and to the subcommittee leadership. My points were the scanners were intrusive, most likely a waste of money better spent on other forms of security, and that the TSA pat downs were highly offensive.
Sherrod Brown is the first to reply. Evidently he does not see much of an issue. Here is his email, without further comment.
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Dear Mr. Sjoquist:
Thank you for sharing your views about the use of millimeter-wave scanners, also known as body image scanners, at airports nationwide.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is increasing the number of millimeter-wave scanners in airports around the country. This new technology is able to detect concealed plastic and ceramic weapons as well as explosives that evade traditional metal detectors.
However, passengers who feel uncomfortable being screened by the body image scanner may decline to go through and will be patted down by a TSA officer as an alternate security measure.
I support bolstering the safeguards in place to prevent terrorists from entering our country. However, it makes sense to explore whether there are strategies other than millimeter-wave scanners that could be employed to discover concealed explosives and other weapons that are not detectable by traditional methods. Should relevant legislation be considered by the Senate, I will keep your views in mind.
Thank you again for getting in touch with me.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown
United States Senator
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