South Miami-Dade News

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Chairman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) delivered an opening statement in a hearing discussing the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) operations and its interactions with adversarial foreign governments, particularly focusing on the Cuban regime.

This hearing follows a May 2024 delegation from Cuba hosted by TSA, which included a tour of sensitive security areas at Miami International Airport (MIA) and a meeting at TSA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Witnesses for the hearing included Melanie Harvey, Executive Assistant Administrator for Security Operations at TSA, and Stacey Fitzmaurice, Executive Assistant Administrator for Operations Support at TSA.

Chairman Gimenez's opening statement emphasized concerns over the visit by Cuban officials to U.S. facilities. He noted that May 20th is a significant date for Cuban expatriates as it marks Cuban Independence Day. However, he criticized the decision to host Cuban officials on this day as "a slap in the face to Cuban-Americans all across the country."

Gimenez highlighted Cuba's status as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and outlined various threats posed by the regime, including counterintelligence activities and potential health incidents targeting U.S. diplomats in Havana. He also mentioned past instances where Cuban intelligence recruited spies within U.S. federal agencies.

He expressed deep concern over what he described as negligence by TSA and the State Department in coordinating this visit without notifying relevant authorities or Congress. He pointed out that senior leaders within TSA were unaware of the visit, questioning TSA’s ability to manage interactions with adversarial foreign governments effectively.

Gimenez recalled a similar incident involving the United States Coast Guard hosting a Cuban delegation in February 2023 but noted that Congress was notified ahead of time and took steps to prevent access to sensitive facilities.

In response to these issues, Gimenez mentioned legislation included in the FY24 NDAA aimed at preventing cooperation with State Sponsors of Terrorism except for critical missions such as search and rescue or counter human trafficking.

He concluded by stressing the need for DHS to improve internal processes and coordination with state and local authorities while ensuring Congressional oversight of engagements with adversarial nations.

Chairman Gimenez thanked witnesses Ms. Harvey and Ms. Fitzmaurice for their participation in the hearing.

Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys. He is currently serving as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.

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