South Miami-Dade News

Chairman Carlos Gimenez held a Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing today in Washington, D.C., focusing on "The Future of FAMS: Evaluating the Federal Air Marshal Mission." The committee received testimony from John Casaretti, Founder and President of the Air Marshal Association, and Tina Won Sherman, Director of Homeland Security and Justice at the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Gimenez's opening statement emphasized the evolving threat to commercial aviation and the corresponding changes in the role of federal air marshals. He noted that while hijackings in the 1970s and 1980s involved ransom demands, the September 11th attacks marked a significant shift in terrorist tactics.

"As the nature of the threat evolved, so has the role of federal air marshals," Gimenez said. He highlighted that after September 11th, many volunteers joined the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), which became part of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Gimenez also addressed advancements in counter-terrorism capabilities, such as improved vetting processes and enhanced screening equipment at airports. "Diligent vetting of potential terrorists... gives law enforcement more time to foil terrorist plots before they can be carried out," he stated.

Despite these advancements, Gimenez expressed concerns about current utilization practices within FAMS. He cited reports that former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was monitored by federal air marshals under TSA's Quiet Skies program. "The Quiet Skies program aims to prevent terrorist attacks, not unduly surveil law-abiding citizens traveling on commercial flights," he said.

Additionally, Gimenez questioned recent deployments of federal air marshals to assist at the Southwest Border. While TSA assured that these deployments did not impact normal operations, Gimenez found it troubling that additional personnel were needed due to escalating border issues.

Reflecting on the 23rd anniversary of September 11th, Gimenez underscored the importance of proactive measures to secure commercial aviation. "This Subcommittee must utilize its oversight authority over the Federal Air Marshal Service to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively," he concluded.

He thanked witnesses Tina Won Sherman and John Casaretti for their participation and looked forward to their testimonies.

Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and Florida Keys. He is noted for being Cuban-born and having a background as a firefighter paramedic. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.