From McClatchy: "Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's failed attempt to blow up Northwest Flight 253 has revived a battle in Congress over the use of whole-body imaging technology to screen airline passengers.
Some legislators argue that the machines...could have detected the explosive powder the 23-year-old Nigerian was carrying and should be approved for widespread use. Others, however, call whole-body scans 'virtual strip searches' that should be used only if there's probable cause to assume that someone might be carrying explosives.
In June, the House voted 310-118 to reject the widespread use of whole-body imaging technology as a primary tool for airport screening, a measure introduced by Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah. The measure died in the Senate.
Voting along with Chaffetz: Miami Republicans Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart and Democrats Kendrick Meek, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Alcee Hastings. Opposing: Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Ron Klein.
Politico questions whether the votes will come back to haunt the reps. "The ad would go a little something like this: 'Fanatical terrorists are plotting to destroy our way of life, and Congressman X voted to hamstring efforts to protect your family.' "
Good for those voting against. There has to be a better way than subjecting travellers to getting what amounts to a naked picture taken. It's extremely invasive.
Posted by: KilroyFSU | December 31, 2009 at 04:45 PM