Heinrich Warns Against President Trump’s Potential Cuts To Airport Security And Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) sent a letter today raising serious concerns over a draft plan circulating from the Trump Administration that includes cuts to critical Transportation Security Administration (TSA) programs that safeguard Americans while traveling in order to pay for his border wall.

According to recent reports, a draft proposal, drawn up by the Office of Management and Budget, would eliminate the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Federal Flight Deck Officer training program and Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams, and cut essential grant funding for local law enforcement.

“In the face of international terrorism, it is critical that we make every effort to secure passenger aircraft, airports, train stations, and bus depots,” said Senator Heinrich. “I am stunned President Trump would consider eliminating critical security programs in order to fund his southern border wall.”

President Trump’s proposed plan would eliminate the Federal Flight Deck Officer program based at FLETC in Artesia, New Mexico.  This program was established in the wake of the September 11th attacks to prepare pilots and flight crews for similar attacks on aircraft. Under this program, hundreds of commercial pilots volunteer their time to become part of the nation’s first line of defense against terrorist acts. FLETC estimates that approximately 800 pilots and flight crewmembers participate in this unique training program each year. In addition to the impacts on national security, eliminating this program would mean an estimated $20 million cut to funding for FLETC Artesia—a devastating hit to New Mexico’s economy.

The proposed plan would also eliminate TSA’s Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams. TSA works with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to deploy VIPR teams based on threat levels and other security priorities. These teams consist of law enforcement officials, regulatory inspectors, explosives specialists, and in some cases, screening personnel. Senator Heinrich led the effort last year to expand the number of VIPR teams across the nation from 31 to as many as 60.  In August at the Albuquerque International Sunport, Senator Heinrich highlighted the importance of VIPR teams that enhance the security presence in pre-screening airport areas and other transportation facilities, especially in non-secure “soft” target areas at airports like check-in and baggage claim areas.

In the letter today, Senator Heinrich urged President Trump to reconsider any cuts to FLETC’s Federal Flight Deck Officer program, the VIPR program, and local law enforcement grants.

Full text of Senator Heinrich’s letter is below and a PDF is available here.