Senators press TSA for passenger data-sharing details

National Journal's Technology Daily April 15, 2004

Two key senators on Thursday called on the Homeland Security Department to fully disclose which airlines have provided passenger information to officials.

Maine Republican Susan Collins, chairwoman of the Governmental Affairs Committee, and the panel's ranking member Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., want the Transportation Security Administration to reveal which airlines responded to requests for passenger data.

Recent reports indicate that TSA obtained the data from JetBlue Airways and American Airlines.

"We are concerned by potential Privacy Act and other implications of this reported incident," the senators wrote in a letter to the department.

The senators also expressed concern that TSA told the General Accounting Office it did not have access to real passenger data in order to test a computer system for pre-screening airline passengers, yet American Airlines indicated that it provided more than 1 million passenger itineraries.

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  • Does anyone notice that the requests for information always seems to come from the Senate? Do the House Republicans never have an idea about honesty or a concern for the country? Well folks, the House is a bunch of crumb bums waiting for King George to tell them what to do and the Senate is so close they need to make a point of being concerned for the people. Bet you didn't hear from Mr. Istook on this one, now did you? Violating the law is what I find the Republicans are very good at, they never admit doing wrong but always blame the other side for everything. Pure politics on this one. GovExec.com reader Posted April 20, 2004 7:02 AM
  • Cronies, liars and thieves OH MY! McGaw ousted - $700,000 office remodel...Loy hires 2% felons OK you're safe...mmm 2%(1200) verses 19 hijackers, let them stay a while...OH YEA we're safer. No need to check the cargo bayworkers...you'll be fine. Ridge & Loy testify to Congress $103 million hiring contract balloons to over $700 million-they're withholding millions of unauthorized tax money...goes to salaries in secret. Now they want your sensitive info! Loy gets promoted. The Nazi's would be proud. DEAR GOD, STOP THIS! Frank D, again! Posted April 15, 2004 10:21 PM
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