Cruz proposes private screenings at airports for lawmakers and others

Sen. Ted Cruz has proposed a bill amendment that would allow members of Congress, federal judges and Cabinet members to receive a security escort and private screenings at airports, according to Politico.

Some family members and staffers would also be eligible to have the same treatment. Cruz is trying to attach the amendment to an aviation policy bill titled the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act.

The amendment would make it so these eligible personnel would have an escort for the entirety of their time in the airport and receive an expedited screening process.

Kevin Murphy, executive director of the Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network, told Politico the amendment would be a “burden” for airport law enforcement. He added escorts should be the job of federal law enforcement personnel.

No representatives from Cruz’s camp immediately replied to a request for comment.

Cruz was famously photographed leaving Houston for Cancún, Mexico, during the 2021 winter storm that left millions of people in the state without power. He was nationally panned for the incident, for which he ultimately apologized after leaving his trip early.

The trip hasn’t left the public consciousness, either. Cruz has even made jokes about the incident over the years, although some have called the comments insensitive considering the turmoil caused by the storm.

Derek Ryan, a Republican political consultant based in Texas, posted at the time of the incident on Twitter, now known as X, that he would expect the situation and photos to stay with him for years.

“Whether he can help or not, in 2024 the ads will be, ‘While you and your family froze, Cruz fled to Mexico,’” Ryan posted. “Perception is reality.”