Ron Paul proposes the “American Traveler Dignity Act”

Yesterday, Texas Representative Ron Paul introduced H.R. 6416, the American Traveler Dignity Act.

Said Paul in a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday:

“My legislation is simple. It establishes that airport security screeners are not immune from any US law regarding physical contact with another person, making images of another person, or causing physical harm through the use of radiation-emitting machinery on another person. It means they are subject to the same laws as the rest of us.”

Despite security risks referenced by Paul – like last Christmas’ underwear bomber – the Representative speaks out against the Advanced Imaging Technology machines, calling them a violation of personal privacy, questioning the harmful effects of radiation and referring to recent press reports that question the efficacy of the machines.

He also rails against the TSA itself, calling it an organization created “in a simple-minded and unprincipled attempt to appease public passion in the wake of 9-11.”

“The TSA version of our rights looks more like the ‘rights’ granted in the old Soviet Constitutions, where freedoms were granted to Soviet citizens — right up to the moment the state decided to remove those freedoms,” said Paul.

Paul has also expressed his support for National Opt Ot Day, taking place this coming Wednesday, which is encouraging travelers to “opt out” of enhanced security screenings from Advanced Imaging Technology machines.

Click below to see a video of Paul discussing the American Traveler Dignity Act: