Sen. Bruce Braley (Dem., Iowa): “With each successive terrorist attack against our airports and airplanes, the TSA has responded with new and usually more inconvenient technology to address the threat. From removing our shoes at the X-ray machine to limiting liquids and gels to Advanced Imaging Technologies that are able to screen whole bodies for suspect material. I don’t deny there is a clear need for security with the attempts by would-be terrorists Richard Reed and Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab show, but I have serious concerns over protecting the rights of our citizens and assuring the technology we use are fully effective and safe. Recent studies suggest that the whole body imaging technology currently in use may be ineffective at detecting concealed explosives such as those used in the Christmas day bombing attempt in 2009 as well as suggesting the backscatter x-ray technology in these AIT devices could be a higher risk to health than indicated. I belief we should work together to find more effective screening mechanisms through the greater deployment and use of trace explosive detection technology that could better detect explosives and preserve the modesty and personal rights of American citizens. [...]  I look forward to the testimony of the witnesses today and I hope this hearing sheds light on why technology has to be the best answer to terrorist threats from the TSA and how we work together to protect the rights of our own citizens.”

Alaskan State Rep. Sharon Cissna: Cancer survivor which places her on the pat down list (due to mastectomy); refers to pat down as “being felt up”; describes the experience as traumatic; next time traveling refuses (is banned, but she does not say this explicitly); advocates to the less invasive methods (Holland and Israel have less invasive and “extraordinary screening devices that are very non-invasive, very.”); affirms of biometrics is an alternative, advocates the use of a profiling technology to determine if people are “up to no good” by using data-mining or the like

Cummings: empathy deficit

1/ Begins by looking at tech

2/ Diverts to consequences of tech (pat downs)

3/ Concludes with a more empathetic approach to pat downs (tech left out) or biometric alternative to pat downs (AIT left in place for those not willing to submit to this)