Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) revealed he was among Republican members of Congress subjected to surveillance through the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Quiet Skies program under the Biden administration. The Arizona lawmaker credited Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, for exposing what he described as the TSA’s misuse of authority against American citizens.
A press release from Hamadeh’s office stated that the former U.S. Army Reserve Intelligence Officer and Maricopa County prosecutor was “shocked” to learn he was targeted by the program. Hamadeh criticized the initiative, calling it an “unconstitutional dystopian nightmare masquerading as a security tool,” and emphasized his lifelong commitment to national security.
The congressman alleged that the Biden administration used the Quiet Skies program to retaliate against critics, citing his own experience. He noted that he was flagged by the program in December 2022 while challenging the results of his 2022 attorney general election, which he claimed was a “legitimate challenge” decided by 280 votes out of 2.5 million. Hamadeh also highlighted his criticism of Arizona’s 2022 General Election as a reason for being placed on a government watchlist.
A report released by Paul’s office revealed that three Republican lawmakers were matched to TSA’s Silent Partner and Quiet Skies rules following political activity opposing the Biden administration. The findings included instances of Americans being placed on watch lists for protesting mask mandates or removing masks on flights, as well as targeting individuals suspected of traveling to Washington, D.C., after January 6, 2021, without evidence of wrongdoing.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acknowledged “widespread abuses” by Biden administration officials, including former TSA Administrator David Pekoske, who allegedly denied boarding to citizens exercising their rights. The agency stated the program failed to prevent any terrorist attacks since its inception.
