Rand Paul Asks Why TSA Is Using Terror Watch List To Spy On Americans "Based On Their Political Views"

GOP Senator Rand Paul has written to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) asking for answers on why the agency appears to be using terrorist watch lists to spy on Americans based on their political views. The letter follows recent revelations that former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard and a woman married to a federal air marshal whistleblower were placed on the 'Quiet Skies' program watch list and subjected to enhanced surveillance. Gabbard was added to the watch list after a Fox News interview where she criticized the 'deep state', while the air marshal's wife was added after attending Donald Trump's speech on January 6th. Paul noted that these incidents echo concerns highlighted in a previous report by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General, which identified critical deficiencies in TSA's management of the Quiet Skies program. These deficiencies include insufficient oversight and inadequate safeguards to protect against the misuse of passenger data. The Senator has requested all documentation relating to the procedure of adding people to the 'Quiet Skies' program. Whistleblowers have confirmed that Gabbard has been monitored by air marshals on at least eight flights in the past month. Gabbard is currently suing the Biden Harris Administration over the matter.