Senate Passes Bill Removing Preferential Airport Screening for Lawmakers

The Senate passed a bill on March 19 to end preferential airport security treatment for members of Congress. The bill, introduced by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), comes amid a 35-day partial shutdown of most Department of Homeland Security agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It passed with unanimous consent as there were no objections to the measure. A recorded vote was not conducted. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. In the past, lawmakers have often received expedited screening at airports. Some have also been given “courtesy escorts” through terminals by TSA personnel or airport police. These privileges have been suspended during the ongoing shutdown....