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Hudson, Katko Press DOT to Suspend Scheduled Cuba Flights

July 14, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2016
Hudson, Katko Press DOT to Suspend Scheduled Cuba Flights
After introducing the Cuban Airport Security Act, Hudson leads letter to DOT Secretary to shed light on grave security concerns at Cuban airports
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Richard Hudson (NC-08) and John Katko (NY-24) sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to inform him of grave security concerns at Cuban airports and to call for delay of plans to resume air service to Cuba until the security measures at these airports can be verified and the potential risks to our homeland security have been appropriately scrutinized.
To read the letter, click here.
Background
On Tuesday, Rep. Hudson joined Transportation Security Subcommittee Chairman Katko, Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28) to introduce the bipartisan Cuban Airport Security Act of 2016 (H.R. 5728) to prohibit scheduled passenger air transportation between the United States and Cuba until a study has been completed regarding security measures and equipment at Cuba’s airports. Rep. Hudson served as Chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee in the 113th Congress. To watch Rep. Hudson’s remarks in support of the Cuban Airport Security Act, click here.
Cuba flights spark security concerns,” USA Today, (07/12/2016)
House lawmaker seeks to block U.S.-Cuba flights,” Washington Examiner, (07/12/2016)
4 lawmakers move to block U.S. flights to Cuba,” McClatchy, (07/13/2016)
Security concerns over Havana flights,” TWC News, (07/13/2016)
Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) tentatively selected eight U.S. airlines to begin scheduled flights between the United States and Cuba in ten cities, including Charlotte, North Carolina. However, the Obama Administration and the government of Cuba have continually stonewalled proper oversight and hid details of airport security arrangements.
Last month, the Cuban government blocked a congressional delegation from visiting the country to inspect airport security. This is a country that has been a safe haven for terrorists and was only removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism about a year ago. The lack of transparency to the American people is troubling and begs the question: Are they concealing something or simply negligent to the glaring security inadequacies?
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