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Tuberville Files Bill to Privatize Transportation Security Administration

Matt OHern
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Tuberville Files Bill to Privatize Transportation Security Administration

U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Abolish TSA Act, which would dissolve the bloated and ineffective Transportation Security Administration (TSA) while allowing America’s airports to compete to provide the safest, most efficient, and least intrusive security measures, under a new Office of Aviation Security Oversight.

“The TSA has become an inefficient, bureaucratic mess that infringes on Americans’ freedoms and wastes taxpayer money,” said Sen. Tuberville. “It’s a bloated agency that offers minimal security benefits while causing unnecessary delays and frustration for travelers. We need to focus on smarter, more effective methods to protect our country without sacrificing the liberties that make America great. The TSA should be eliminated and replaced with more targeted, streamlined, and accountable solutions.”

“The TSA has not only intruded into the privacy and personal space of most Americans, it has also repeatedly failed tests to find weapons and explosives,” said Sen. Lee.“Our bill privatizes security functions at American airports under the eye of an Office of Aviation Security Oversight, bringing this bureaucratic behemoth to a welcome end. American families can travel safely without feeling the hands of an army of federal employees.”

Read full text of the legislation here and the Fox News exclusive here. 

BACKGROUND:

The TSA is not equipped to manage the fast-evolving threats posed to aviation transportation. Over the past two decades, it has ballooned into an over-bloated, inefficient agency of 60,000 employees. Its highly bureaucratic and non-competitive nature make it slow-moving, perpetually out of date, highly resistant to innovation and modernization, and simply ineffective. In addition to widespread allegations of employee misconduct and theft, a 2015 assessment found that TSA agents missed 95% of mock explosives and banned weapons during checkpoint screenings. The 95% failure rate was repeated in 2017 at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport and repeat national tests that year were “in the ballpark” of 80% failure rates.

Switching to privatization with appropriate but limited government oversight is the answer for modern aviation security. Over 80% of European commercial airports privatized airport security screening, and the overall performance of the U.S. airports—such as the San Francisco International Airport—participating in the TSA’s limited privatization program (Screening Partnership Program, or SPP) frequently outperformed their federalized counterparts in reducing wait times and mitigating threats. 

Competition drives excellence, efficiency, and safety—not bureaucracy. TSA, the regulating entity in aviation security, should not be conducting the regulated activity.

Abolish TSA Act:

TSA is abolished three years after enactment, allowing time for privatization and the repeal or transfer of additional authorities.

Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall submit a reorganization plan to Congress that includes:

  • Creation of the Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the FAA, solely responsible for overseeing the privatization of aviation security screening.
  • Rapid transfer of security activities and equipment to qualified private companies.
  • Transfer of non-aviation security functions to DOT (mass transit, freight rail, pipelines, etc.).
  • Proportional reductions of TSA operations and personnel to facilitate transfer of duties.

The reorganization plan cannot include requirements for private security companies to conduct warrantless searches and seizures or extend the TSA’s existence. Congress will consider, amend, vote up or down on the reorganization plan through expedited and privileged procedure. Compliance will be monitored by the GAO and regular reports to Congress.

Louisiana Governor Landry Remarks on the March 29th Election Results

Matt OHern
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Louisiana Governor Landry Remarks on the March 29th Election Results

Baton Rouge, LA – Amendment 2 was a chance to permanently lower the maximum state income tax rate, double the tax deductions for residents over the age of 65, create a government growth limit, provide a permanent pay raise for teachers and school staff, maintain the homestead exemption and protect religious organizations, keep more tax dollars in local communities, allow for the elimination of inventory tax, and protect against special interest tax breaks.  

“The primary goal of Amendment 2 was to create a better opportunity for our citizens. To work towards inviting people into our State rather than have them leave. Unfortunately, Soros and far left liberals poured millions into Louisiana with propaganda and outright lies about Amendment 2,” said Governor Landry. “Although we are disappointed in tonight’s results, we do not see this as a failure. We realize how hard positive change can be to implement in a State that is conditioned for failure. We will continue working to give our citizens more opportunities to keep more of their hard-earned money and provide a better future for Louisianians. This is not the end for us, and we will continue to fight to make the generational changes for Louisiana to succeed.” 

OPINION | GOV SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS: Finish the Job

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OPINION | GOV SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS: Finish the Job

Fund the prison, public safety

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette published “Finish the job,“an op-ed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on why the Legislature should appropriate funds to build a new prison in Franklin County:

It’s been two decades since Arkansas made significant investments in its prison infrastructure. That’s two decades of chronic prison bed shortages, two decades of releasing violent offenders back into society because of lack of space, and two decades of worst-in-the-nation crime rates.

Enough is enough.

Arkansas has a chance to address this crisis head-on and help end our state’s prison bed shortage, but we need to act now. The Legislature must appropriate the funds our state needs to build a new prison.

Government has no greater responsibility than protecting its citizens’ safety. Not long ago, some left-wing states listened to “defund the police” activists and cut funding to law enforcement and prisons, with predictably disastrous results. I was elected in part because of my promise to do the opposite by supporting law enforcement and cracking down on violent crime.

That’s why I worked with the Legislature to pass the Protect Act, ensuring violent criminals do their time before they re-enter society, and why we’ve already opened up 1,500 prison beds in existing facilities.

But our state is still short thousands of prison beds. When inmates aren’t placed in state-run prisons, they are put in county-run jails that aren’t equipped for the burden of long-term incarceration, costing taxpayers around $30 million each year.

My administration is moving quickly to build a new, 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County that will boost that area’s economy while building a safer, stronger Arkansas. The state has set aside the funding we need to get the project started, and the Legislature approved a new prison by voting for the Protect Act.

Now, those same legislators must finish what they started, appropriate the full cost of our new prison, and let our state move forward. Arkansas simply can’t afford to kick the can down the road any longer.

Imagine two inmates, each convicted of a violent felony and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The first inmate is sent to the state’s Wrightsville Unit here in Pulaski County and enrolled in a program called Pathway to Freedom. I’ve visited Pathway to Freedom so I can tell you what it’s like: His schedule is packed with job training and classes to improve his social and emotional skills. He deepens his faith, learns how to handle conflict resolution, and acquires the capability to re-enter society and fulfill his God-given potential.

He is less than half as likely to recommit and return to prison as other inmates stuck in county jails who don’t have access to quality programming.

The second inmate isn’t so lucky. He is bounced around from county jail to county jail. He’s in a facility designed for petty criminals but he’s a hardened felon; it’s not long before he gets into trouble.

Before I signed the Protect Act, the state would have likely let this inmate go on parole early, sometimes years before his sentence was supposed to be up. Once he’s out, there’s about a 50 percent chance that he recommits and finds himself back behind bars within three years.

Unfortunately, the second story is much more likely than the first. That’s bad for the inmates themselves–and more importantly, it’s bad for public safety.

There are more than 3,600 individuals who have been in and out of our prison system more than four times. One individual has been through the revolving door a shocking 21 times. Clearly, these people aren’t being rehabilitated–they’re just biding their time before they can terrorize the public again.

We need to make real changes to our prison system, which is why I’ve prioritized rehabilitation programs like Pathway to Freedom. But that can’t happen if we don’t have enough prison beds to fit all our inmates and instead overcrowd county jails or release criminals back into our communities.

Arkansas has a chance to turn the page on our decades-long cycle of ignoring violent crime, instead cleaning up our streets and ensuring violent felons aren’t released until they’ve served their time and hopefully been rehabilitated.

Reject the tired excuses of politicians who don’t want criminals behind bars. Fund the prison, public safety, and a better future for all Arkansans.

Rep. Sewell Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order on Requring Proof of Citizenship for Voting

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Rep. Sewell Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order on Requring Proof of Citizenship for Voting

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on voter registration.

“President Trump’s executive order to erode voting rights and give Elon Musk access to the American people’s personal voter information is a clear power grab intended to disenfranchise and intimidate voters. Trump is once again showing that he has no regard for the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law, or the fundamental principle that all Americans, regardless of their race, creed, or color, have a right to have their voice heard at the ballot box.

“To be clear, this executive order has nothing to do with protecting the integrity of our elections. These are the actions of a wannabe dictator, and we will not stand by as he attempts to dismantle the core principles of our democracy!

“The American people’s right to vote is sacred, and I will continue the fight to pass H.R. 14, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, in order to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act and protect the American people from the authoritarian actions of the Trump Administration.”

Byron Donalds Submits Bill to Address Pilot Shortage

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Byron Donalds Submits Bill to Address Pilot Shortage

Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has announced the introduction of legislation to address the critical pilot shortage facing our nation.

H.R. 2182 – “The Bipartisan Pre-Pilot Pathway Act” is the 10th piece of legislation introduced by Congressman Donalds during the 119th Congress and has received the support of Representatives Don Davis (D-NC) and Troy Nehls (R-TX) as well as the National Flight Training Alliance.

Specifically, this legislation: (1) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot apprenticeship program for students at Part 141 flight training facilities within 12 months of enactment; (2) Allows for participating facilities in this voluntary program to select up to 8 applicants to serve as apprentices each academic year; (3) Helps to establish a qualified pipeline of interested individuals to become pilots. Congressman Donalds released the following statement:

“America is facing a critical pilot shortage and we must act before it’s too late. This is why I introduced the ‘Bipartisan Pre-Pilot Pathway Act.’ My common-sense proposal addresses our national shortage head-on by creating a pilot apprenticeship program to bolster our nation’s waning talent pipeline. Ensuring the safety and efficiency of American air travel should be bipartisan and I thank Representatives Davis and Nehls for joining me in this important initiative.”

Background:

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it’s projected that 14,500 pilots will be needed every year through 2030.
  • The shortage is estimated to be 17,000 commercial aviation pilots by 2030.
  • The shortage arises from a combination of factors, including baby boomers reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a shrinking pool of potential pilot candidates.

Specifics of the Pilot Apprenticeship Program:

  • Why Flight Training Facilities—Part 141 flight training facilities may be able to provide a greater variety of training aids and require dedicated training facilities, flight instructor oversight, and FAA-approved curricula.
    • Under the 141 program, pilots will benefit from receiving an airline standard of training—which allows the pilot to move onto a Part 121 airline, Part 135 commercial charter operation, Part 91 private operation, or to enjoy a future career as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
  • What’s the Traditional Pilot Path— Student → Flight Instructor → Regional Pilot → Major Airline Pilot
    • With the increased demand for pilots, training facilities are seeing more students enrolling in their programs.
    • Currently, there are approximately 600 Part 141 flight training facilities that have been licensed by the FAA.


More:

  • Read Text of H.R. 2182 – “The Bipartisan Pre-Pilot Pathway Act” HERE.
  • Bill Profile of H.R. 2182 – “The Bipartisan Pre-Pilot Pathway Act” HERE.
  • See H.R. 2182 Social Media Summary Graphics HERE.

Moskowitz, Donalds Introduce Bipartisan FEMA Independence Act

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Moskowitz, Donalds Introduce Bipartisan FEMA Independence Act

Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) announced that he just introduced his FEMA Independence Act, a bipartisan bill to reform federal emergency management and improve efficiency in federal emergency response efforts. This legislation would remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and restore it as an independent, Cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the President. It would also stipulate that FEMA’s Senate-confirmed leader must have “a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security” across the public and private sectors.

Moskowitz previously introduced his FEMA Independence Act during the 118th Congress, and as Florida’s former Emergency Management Director, the legislation remains a top priority of his to reform federal emergency management. He is joined on the bill’s introduction by Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL-19).

“As the first Emergency Management Director ever elected to Congress, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disaster events. As these emergencies continue to grow larger and more widespread, the American people deserve a federal response that is efficient and fast. To achieve that, FEMA should be reformed,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “FEMA currently sits under the bureaucracy of the Department of Homeland Security—and with around 20 other agencies and offices under that umbrella, the set-up simply doesn’t work. DHS has become too big and too slow to oversee what needs to be a quick and flexible emergency response.

“By removing FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security and restoring its status as an independent, Cabinet-level agency, my bipartisan bill will help cut red tape, improve government efficiency, and save lives. It will also help refocus FEMA on its original mission: as an agency tasked with responding before, during, and after disaster events. FEMA is meant to be an emergency management agency, but right now, it functions more as a grant agency with emergency management capabilities. This commonsense bill will help set those priorities back where they should be. I look forward to my colleagues taking up this bipartisan proposal so we can continue to build a more seamless federal response to emergency situations wherever and whenever they occur.”

“FEMA has become overly-bureaucratic, overly-politicized, overly-inefficient, and substantial change is needed to best serve the American people,” said Congressman Donalds. “When disaster strikes, quick and effective action must be the standard––not the exception. It is imperative that FEMA is removed from the bureaucratic labyrinth of DHS and instead is designated to report directly to the President of the United States. I am proud to join Congressman Moskowitz in this innovative initiative to ensure the most efficient disaster relief response for the American people.”

Under Moskowitz’s bipartisan FEMA Independence Act, FEMA would become a Cabinet-level agency within the U.S. Executive Branch. Its Director would be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate under the requisite qualifications, and it would have up to four Deputy Directors subject to Senate confirmation and ten Regional Directors chosen by the Director. FEMA would carry out all responsibilities given to it prior to the enactment of the FEMA Independence Act, including under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and it would have an Inspector General and associated Office of the Inspector General.

From its activation in 1979 until the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Federal Emergency Management Agency lived within the federal government as an independent agency under the White House, including as a Cabinet-level agency during the Clinton Administration. The Department of Homeland Security absorbed it in 2003, even as then-Director Michael Brown warned that doing so would “sever FEMA from its core functions.”

FEMA currently sits within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security alongside around 20 other incorporated agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and more. Under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, its Administrator was named the principal advisor to the President of the United States for all matters related to emergency management.

Before entering Congress, Moskowitz served as Florida’s Director of Emergency Management from 2019-2021. In this role, Moskowitz oversaw disaster response and recovery for the DeSantis Administration for major events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Category 5 Hurricane Michael.

Since coming to Congress, Moskowitz has been a leading voice for fully funding FEMA, keeping emergency response nonpartisan, and enacting commonsense reforms to bolster federal emergency management. He has served as co-chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus.

For more information on Moskowitz’s bipartisan FEMA Independence Act, click HERE.

Rick Scott Joins Sen. John Kennedy in Introducing No Dollars for Dictators Act

Matt OHern
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Rick Scott Joins Sen. John Kennedy in Introducing No Dollars for Dictators Act

Florida Senator Rick Scott joined Louisiana Senator John N. Kennedy and their colleagues to introduce the No Dollars for Dictators Act, a critical piece of legislation to prevent American tax dollars from going to evil regimes and state sponsors of terrorism through the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s special drawing rights. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Jim Justice, John Barrasso, and Chuck Grassley also cosponsored the bill.

“American taxpayers want their dollars to work in their best interests, not financially supporting dictators of dangerous and adversarial regimes like Communist China, Iran, Venezuela and more,” Scott said. “Over the course of the Biden administration, the former president authorized billions of dollars to be funneled to these regimes through the International Monetary Fund without a single act of Congress. President Trump is rightly putting Americans first and ensuring their tax dollars are providing a return for them. The No Dollars for Dictators Act will protect U.S. tax dollars from fueling the evils of dictators or terrorists who seek to destroy our way of life.”

Senator John Kennedy added, “The Biden administration allowed China, Russia, Iran, and Syria to collect billions of dollars from the IMF without ever consulting Congress. My bill would ensure that Congress has a say before the IMF doles out American tax dollars to countries that hate us.”

Trump Endorses Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee for Re-Election

Matt OHern
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Trump Endorses Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee for Re-Election

Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty received President Donald Trump’s endorsement for re-election in 2026. With Trump recently threatening to support challengers to certain incumbents in Republican primary campaigns, Hagerty’s campaign will likely avoid major competition prior to the 2026 Mid-Term General Election.

“I have known Bill for a long time, as both a Highly Successful Businessman, and outstanding Ambassador to Japan. He has been with us from the very beginning, helping us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “In the Senate, Bill is working hard to Revitalize our Economy, Lower Taxes, Secure the Border, Champion our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

“Senator Bill Hagerty has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN,” Trump added.

Prior to serving in the Senate, Hagerty was the U.S. ambassador to Japan in the first Trump administration. He also served at the state level as a member of former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s cabinet and commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Hagerty said he was “deeply honored” to be endorsed for reelection to the Senate by the president, saying that with Trump’s support, he is “more determined than ever to fight for Tennessee, defend our conservative values, and work side by side with the President to again place the interests of Americans first.”

“President Trump’s leadership has ushered in a new golden age for America since his return to office, delivering historic victories for our Nation. But our work is far from over,” Hagerty said. “Together, we’ll keep building on this momentum and secure an even greater future for our country.”

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Honored to receive <a href=”https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@realDonaldTrump</a>’s endorsement for the United States Senate. Thank you, President Trump! <br><br>To my fellow Tennesseans, I ask for your support to send me back to Washington to continue preserving our conservative values and work side by side with the President to… <a href=”https://t.co/0YEMZZwzhG”>pic.twitter.com/0YEMZZwzhG</a></p>&mdash; Bill Hagerty (@BillHagertyTN) <a href=”https://twitter.com/BillHagertyTN/status/1905046244017258524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>March 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

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