South Miami-Dade News

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Carlos Gimenez (FL-28) introduced the bipartisan Secure Airports From Enemies (SAFE) Act. Congressman Gimenez is joined by Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23). Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

This initiative follows a recent security breach at Miami International Airport (MIA) where agents from the Castro regime were granted access to secure TSA facilities. Congressman Gimenez, Chairman of the Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee, emphasized the importance of preventing any State Sponsor of Terrorism from accessing secure TSA facilities at U.S. airports. The Cuban-American community remains opposed to normalized relations with Havana's military dictatorship.

“President Biden & Secretary Mayorkas granted agents of the Castro regime access to our sensitive TSA facilities at Miami International Airport. This dangerous decision undermines our national security and puts passengers in serious risk,” said Congressman Carlos Giménez. “I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan SAFE Act in the House of Representatives and work alongside my dear friend, Senator Marco Rubio, championing this effort in the Upper Chamber, to make sure this never happens again.”

Senator Marco Rubio stated, "It’s absurd America has hosted officials from nations currently designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism. We must ensure this administration is not enabling foreign operatives to learn of our aviation security measures aimed at keeping Americans safe."

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz expressed her concerns: “As co-chair of the Cuba Democracy Caucus, I'm deeply concerned by the threat posed to Floridians and U.S. national security by Cuban officials touring secure areas at Miami International Airport.” She added that she is proud to support this bill to protect Americans from transnational surveillance, repression, and terrorism.

Rep. María Elvira Salazar remarked on the incident: “The Biden Administration allowing the Cuban Regime to tour sensitive areas of Miami International Airport is a major security breach and should never have happened.”

Rep. Jared Moskowitz emphasized an all-encompassing approach to airport security: "Our airports need an all-around approach to security. It makes no sense why officials from terrorist sponsoring countries would be granted access to sensitive areas of airports."

Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart underscored the necessity for protecting U.S. airports: “Protecting U.S. airports and sensitive government facilities is crucial to our national security.”

Congressman Carlos Giménez is noted as being the only Cuban-born Member of Congress, representing Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys—home to America's largest Cuban exile community.