Lungren Favors ‘Invasive’ Airport Screening

California Rep. Dan Lungren voted against a bill limiting the use of whole-body scanning machines currently at use at 19 airports. Lungren represents California’s 3rd Congressional district which includes Elk Grove.

The bill, sponsored by Utah freshman Republican Jason Chaffetz, passed with broad bi-partisan support.

Chaffetz objected to the use of the “whole-body imaging” which can show naked bodies as a primary screening tool. One of the objections was that no one could guarantee the images would not be saved or copied.

“You don’t need to look at my wife and 8-year old daughter naked,” Chaffetz said, “to secure that airplane.”

Lungren defended his support of the invasive screening saying it would help avoid pat-downs. Lungren, who has an artificial hip, said he is often subject to pat-downs because of his hip and the screening would be more efficient and safe.

Attached to a TSA funding bill, the final vote was 310-118.