Stop TSA Abuse: Urge Committee to Vote Anti-Groping Bill onto the Floor

Since the fall of 2010, the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) has instituted an “enhanced pat-down” procedure for air travelers in a variety of circumstances where no probable cause to commit a crime has been shown. One of the key scenarios that trigger a mandatory enhanced pat-down is when an air traveler refuses to subject themself to a “naked body scanner” (which takes near-nude pictures of the air traveler).

Americans have been rightly outraged in response to this invasive screening procedure implemented at our nation’s airports, as the moral decency of innocent men, women, and children are routinely being violated by TSA agents as a matter of public policy.

The Problem with the TSA’s Enhanced Pat-Down procedure is as follows:

• Travelers are treated as criminal suspects and forced to submit to unreasonable and humiliating searches as a condition of travel.
• Intrusive searches without a warrant or probable cause are Unconstitutional and violate Section 9 of the Texas Bill of Rights and the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
• Citizens are humiliated as the most private areas of their bodies are groped, hit, or felt. Sometimes these searches are so intrusive that hands are inserted into pants, up skirts, and around breasts and buttocks; and genitals are felt all around.
• Minor children are separated from their parents and intimately searched.
• The infirm, aged, and those with prosthetic implants are the most vulnerable to these intrusive and unreasonable searches. Elderly people have had to remove disposable underwear and cancer patients to remove bandages.
• No alternative to a groping search is made available in some instances, even when scanners or metal detectors are available.

Thankfully, Rep. David Simpson (R-Longview) has filed H.B. 80 in the Texas House that would bring an end to “enhanced pat-downs” at all Texas’ airports, unless probable cause can be shown.

If passed into law, H.B. 80 would restore freedom and dignity to travelers by making it an offense for a public servant in a search without probable cause to:

• Intentionally touch private parts of another person;
• Remove a child from the custody or control of a parent or guardian;
• Engage in conduct constituting an assault under the Penal Code; or
• Harass, coerce, threaten, intimidate, or condition access because of a refusal to consent to that activity.

Take Action Now!

Urge State Affairs Committee to Vote Anti-Groping Bill onto the Floor

H.B. 80 is currently stalled in the Texas House’s State Affairs Committee. There are only a few weeks left in the 83rd Texas legislative session, and if you care about your family’s dignity when you travel, please contact each of the members of this committee and urge them to vote H.B. 80 out of committee so that it can be taken up for a vote on the House floor.

SAMPLE MESSAGE

Dear Representative [  ],

I urge you to vote H.B. 80 out of the State Affairs Committee promptly so that it can be taken up for a vote on the floor of the House. Inaction on this bill is not acceptable when—every day—innocent men, women, and children are being violated by TSA agents in our states’ airports through invasive and unconstitutional pat-downs of their most intimate and private parts of their bodies.

The TSA’s abuses must stop. Please stand for the dignity of Texans and take action on this important measure.

Respectfully,

[Your Name]

STATE AFFAIRS Committee Members

Rep. Byron Cook (Committee Chairman) — (512) 463-0730, Bryon.Cook@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Helen Giddings (Vice Chairman) — (512) 463-0953, Helen.Giddings@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Tom Craddick — (512) 463-0500, Tom.Craddick@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Jessica Farrar — (512) 463-0620, jessica.farrar@house.state.tx.us,

Rep. John Frullo — (512) 463-0676, john.frullo@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Charlie Geren — (512) 463-0610, charlie.geren@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Patricia Harless — (512) 463-0496, patricia.harless@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Harvey Hilderbran — (512) 463-0536, harvey.hilderbran@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Dan Huberty — (512) 463-0520, dan.huberty@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Jose Menendez — (512) 463-0634, Jose.Menendez@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Rene O. Oliveira — (512) 463-0640, Rene.Oliveira@house.state.tx.us

Rep. John T. Smithee — (512) 463-0702, John.Smithee@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Sylvester Turner — (512) 463-0554, sylvester.turner@house.state.tx.us

Updated: Tuesday, 11 Oct 2011, 7:01 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 11 Oct 2011, 12:12 PM CDT

Reagan Hackleman

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Sometime soon, travelers will pass through the controversial body scanners at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Late last week, the Transportation Security Administration announced that it is one of 29 airports to receive recently purchased Advanced Imaging Technology.

TSA officials said the machines are designed to enhance security by safely screening passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats — including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing.

Opponents of the machines said they are a violation of passenger privacy and that radiation emitted by the machines is harmful.

Read More…

Austin-Bergstrom getting body scanners: kxan.com

Strategically, the TSA has opted to deploy scanners in Austin that employ new Advanced Targeting Recognition (ATR) technology, which is not as invasive as the image-screening technology currently in use at most airports.

Yet there are profound potential health hazards that travelers through ABIA could face with these invasive machines, a point that the Austin Airport Advisory Commission (AAAC) passed a resolution last December 14:

WHEREAS, the AIT health risks for passenger and screener, for short term and long term exposure, lack of health safety standards, and medical issues are not conclusively determined by a non-partisan evaluation; and

WHEREAS, privacy rights, especially for children, sexual assault victims, medical prosthetic users, children, senior citizens, women susceptible to breast cancer, pregnant women and other physical and/or emotional challenged travelers have not been satisfactorily addressed; and

ACTION STEPS: Tell the Airport Advisory Commission to Hold the Line

STEP #1 – Contact AAAC Members / Urge them to “Keep Austin Free”!

We would encourage all those who oppose the installation of full-body scanners in Austin to call or e-mail members of the Austin Airport Advisory Commission and:

(A) Communicate your thankfulness for their bold resolution against the full-body scanners that they passed last December; and

(B) Encourage the AAAC to hold the line and keep fighting to “Keep Austin Free” from these invasive full-body scanners

AAAC’s Contact Details:

Dale Murphy, Chair
Contact Phone: (512) 470-4517
E-mail Address: dmurphy@kfriese.com

D’Ann Johnson, Secretary
Contact Phone: (512) 374-2760
E-mail Address: djohnson@trla.org

Steven Hart, Vice Chair
Contact Phone: (512) 243-1004
E-mail Address: shart@lcra.org

George Farris
Contact Phone: (512) 415-2466
E-mail Address: george@atxaviation.com

James Kelsey
Contact Phone: (512) 415-9787
E-mail Address: james.kelsey@cgi.com

Ernest Saulmon
Contact Phone: (512) 619-1047
E-mail Address: esaulmon@sbcglobal.net

Mark Segaloff
Contact Phone: (512) 656-5181
E-mail Address: mark.segaloff@alpa.org

STEP #2 – Attend Tonight’s Meeting

The Austin Airport Advisory Commission is meeting at 5PM TODAY at the Austin airport and will be discussing these new developments in a meeting that is open to the public.

We would encourage all those who can attend to do so, and to:

(A) Express your thankfulness for their bold resolution against the scanner last December, and

(B) Encourage the AAAC to hold the line and keep fighting to “Keep Austin Free” from these invasive full-body scanners

Tonight’s Meeting Location

Austin Bergstrom International Airport
Airport Planning and Engineering Building (Near Airport)

2716 Spirit of Texas Drive, Room 160
Tuesday, October 11th at 5pm

Directions:
Hwy 71 East toward the Airport
Take the Cargo Exit
Turn Right on Spirit of Texas Drive
Building is on the Right After Stop Sign (two large flag poles in front)

Stay tuned to TsaTyranny.com for more updates on this developing story!

Senator Dan Patrick introduced amendments that stripped the Senate version of the bill of much of the bad language that the House adopted earlier in the day.  This language left the bill crippled and all but unenforceable. While the anti-groping bill does not include the stronger language of “probable cause”, the Senate added wording to the existing language of “reasonable suspicion” which should more narrowly limit the scope in which this term can be employed as a condition to search. Concerns still exist over the vague insertion of “unknown” object, with the possibility of extending too much latitude to individual TSA agents to exercise discretion. However, contrary to the House version of the bill, we do believe this bill is better than no bill at all. The final Senate bill does make an invasive pat-down without reasonable suspicion illegal and a breach of constitutional protections.

Although important provisions and amendments have still been excluded, the legislation now more closely resembles its original language. Consequently, the bill now has more defined parameters with regards to when TSA agents may exercise their “search”. Neither opting out of the potentially cancer-causing nude image scanners nor refusing the enhanced pat down should be interpreted as reasonable suspicion sufficient to breach Texas travelers’ Fourth Amendment rights; however, the bill is regrettably vague regarding whether citizens who refuse such treatment will be able to fly.  This being said, if Texans are unreasonably searched as a result of opting out of TSA screening procedures, we have sufficient language for criminal prosecution with the state of Texas behind us.

Background:

On Monday afternoon, June 27, HB 41, the House version of the Anti-Groping Bill, garnered unanimous support in the Texas House of Representatives during its second reading. Texans watched as the original version of the bill received amendments which weakened its ability to protect citizens. Reports that the bill was only “symbolic” and “wholly irrelevant” as a defense against the abuses of the TSA were shared by many.  Strong language became compromised language, and the House voted to accept the proposed amendments, leaving the House bill crippled and prompting TsaTyranny.com to withdraw support from the measure.

Meanwhile in the Senate, testimony before the Transportation and Homeland Security Committee was offered on SB 29 in hopes of persuading the Senate to remove the unacceptable language which the House had included in its amendments to their version of the bill. The Senate committee heard testimony from first-time activists, advocacy groups, and prosecuting attorneys. Constitutional Attorney Don Hart urged the Transportation and Homeland Security Committee to strip language incorporated in the House amendments which “make the bill worse than no bill.”

Thankfully, the Senate took seriously many of the appeals made by you the people! They heard your concerns, they considered the infringement of our liberties, and they acted. Within eight hours of the committee hearing, Senator Patrick introduced new amendments to strip egregious language from the Anti-Groping Bill that would have rendered the legislation all but unenforceable. Patrick’s amended bill passed 19-12, and the Senate bill, while not perfect, does provide grounds within a Texas statute which should place the TSA on their heels and force them to soberly think twice before dismissing Fourth Amendment rights of Texas travelers.

When asked about the actions of the Senate, Don Hart commented, “I am grateful for the discernment demonstrated by Senators Patrick and Wentworth in recognizing the implications of language in the House amendments which would have made SB 29 almost completely unenforceable. Their leadership, and the swift action of the Senate, helped put some teeth back into SB 29.  While much work remains as we seek to protect Texans from TSA abuses, I believe these efforts are a step in the right direction.”

Read the final Senate bill – SB 29

Conclusion:

Some speculate that the House will not pass the current version of the TSA Anti-Groping bill, SB 29, given the fact that they need a 4/5ths majority to suspend the rules to pass the bill to third reading for final passage. The special session ends tomorrow, and if the bill is not passed by the end of formal business on Wednesday, it would have to be called again during another special session, or wait till the next primary session in 2013, to begin again. Given the fact that the Senate formally adjourned today, no changes or amendments can be introduced now to SB 29 by the House, or the bill automatically dies.

After consulting with various constitutional and trial attorneys, we believe this bill could be used to defend Texas travelers. And we believe it to be worth supporting. There is no doubt additional wording and amendments would substantially improve the bill, but we don’t have time for amendments during this session. If SB 29 passes in the House, we will have ammunition to put the TSA on their heels. And, we submit to you that, while imperfect, this bill defends your liberties on at least three fronts:

1. SB 29 makes it illegal for a TSA agent or agents to perform an enhanced pat-down without either your express permission or reasonable suspicion of the presence of an object.

2. SB 29 makes it illegal for the TSA to fine you if you refuse to participate in their enhanced pat-down after entering the screening process

3. SB 29 affords sanctions against a TSA agent or agents who conduct themselves in a way contrary to this statute

Additional accountability may yield further benefits by discouraging the TSA from seeking to exercise the heavy-handed discretion in other areas for fear of reprisal. We believe the results of this bill will lead to greater security from the TSA and greater preservation of our liberties.

For these reasons, and given that there is not time to propose changes or offer amendments, we recommend your support of this bill during this legislative session.

Action Point:

Contact Representatives in the House and encourage them to support the Senate version of the TSA Anti-Groping Bill, SB 29, as passed out of the Jurisprudence Committee on Tuesday, June 28.

Support this bill before the special session comes to an end. Call and urge their support for SB 29.

Find your Representative here .

Published: June 22, 2011

THIS spring was a rough season for the Fourth Amendment. The Obama administration petitioned the Supreme Court to allow GPS tracking of vehicles without judicial permission. The Supreme Court ruled that the police could break into a house without a search warrant if, after knocking and announcing themselves, they heard what sounded like evidence being destroyed. Then it refused to see a Fourth Amendment violation where a citizen was jailed for 16 days on the false pretext that he was being held as a material witness to a crime.

In addition, Congress renewed Patriot Act provisions on enhanced surveillance powers until 2015, and the F.B.I. expanded agents’ authority to comb databases, follow people and rummage through their trash even if they are not suspected of a crime.

None of these are landmark decisions. But together they further erode the privilege of privacy that was championed by Congress and the courts in the mid-to-late-20th century, when the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement was applied to the states, unconstitutionally seized evidence was ruled inadmissible in state trials, and privacy laws were enacted following revelations in the 1970s of domestic spying on antiwar and civil rights groups.

For over a decade now, the government has tried to make us more secure by chipping away at the one provision of the Bill of Rights that pivots on the word “secure” — the Fourth Amendment’s guarantee of “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.”

The founding fathers, who sought security from government, would probably reject today’s conventional wisdom that liberty and security are at odds, and that one must be sacrificed for the other. In their experience, the chief threat to individual security came from government itself, as in the house-to-house searches conducted by British customs officers under blanket “writs of assistance.” After the Boston lawyer James Otis Jr. eloquently challenged the writs in 1761, John Adams, who was present in the crowded courtroom, wrote of the audience’s rage, “Then and there the child independence was born.”

Read More…

By: Michael Gobart

Gov. Perry adds TSA Legislation to Special Session Call:

After hearing the outcry from citizens from Texas and around the country — as well as an urgent appeal letter sent by State Rep. David Simpson to Gov. Rick Perry late yesterday — the Governor has brought the TSA anti-groping legislation before the call of the special session.

Read Governor Perry’s proclamation HERE

Rep. David Simpson, author of the TSA Anti-Groping Bill in the Texas House, has confirmed 112 coauthors for HB 41 (formerly HB 1937) — far more than enough support to pass this bill. And, on Wednesday, June 15, Senator Dan Patrick informed Governor Perry that he has the votes in the Senate as well.

Senator Patrick offered the following comments after the Governor’s announcement to bring the TSA bills before the session:

“The people’s voice has been heard in Austin. Thanks for the literally thousands of calls & e-mails. This is a “Come & Take It Moment” again for Texas… Once again Texas will take a stand that will reverberate around the nation.”

During a press statement given Monday evening, June 20, Lt. Governor Dewhurst offered the following comments:

“Addressing unreasonable and unlawful searches of innocent travelers by some TSA employees is an issue that affects all Texans who use air travel, and it should not wait until next Session.”

“After working closely with the Attorney General’s Office the last few weeks, I’m confident that we can pass legislation that addresses these threats, while protecting innocent passengers and preserving our state’s rights.”

There are still many Senators who are undecided on these important bills. With this new hope in the Texas legislature, we need to call our Senators and ensure their support in protection of our Fourth Amendment rights. Join in this fight by taking the following actions:

If necessary, offer to provide these senators with documentation of Rep. David Simpson’s response to the Department of Justice’s threat letter received during the regular legislative session:

Senators’ Positions on TSA Anti-Groping Legislation:

Senator – (Party)	Support	Phone #
Birdwell, Brian – (R)	YES (Co-Author)**	(512) 463-0122
Carona, John – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0116
Davis, Wendy – (D)	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0110
Deuell, Bob – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0102
Duncan, Robert – (R)	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0128
Ellis, Rodney – (D)	YES	(512) 463-0113
Eltife, Kevin – (R)	YES (Co-Author)**	(512) 463-0101
Estes, Craig – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0130
Fraser, Troy – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0124
Gallegos, Mario, Jr. – (D)	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0106
Harris, Chris – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0109
Hegar, Glenn – (R)	YES (Co-Author)**	(512) 463-0118
Hinojosa, Juan “Chuy” – (D)	NO	(512) 463-0120
Huffman, Joan – (R)	YES (Co-Author)**	(512) 463-0117
Jackson, Mike – (R)	YES *	(512) 463-0111
Lucio, Eddie, Jr. D	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0127
Nelson, Jane – (R)	YES (Co-Author)**	(512) 463-0112
Nichols, Robert	YES	(512) 463-0103
Ogden, Steve – (R)	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0105
Patrick, Dan – (R)	YES (Author)	(512) 463-0107
Rodríguez, José – (D)	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0129
Seliger, Kel – (R)	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0131
Shapiro, Florence – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0108
Uresti, Carlos – (D)	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0119
Van de Putte, Leticia – (D)	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0126
Watson, Kirk	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0114
Wentworth, Jeff – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0125
West, Royce – (D)	YES	(512) 463-0123
Whitmire, John – (D)	NO	(512) 463-0115
Williams, Tommy – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0104
Zaffirini, Judith – (D)	UNDECIDED	(512) 463-0121

.

This is a “Come And Take It!” moment! And, we need to stay in the fight. Call Texas Senators and urge them to stay the course in the fight for our Fourth Amendment rights. Fight to protect your grandparents, your mothers, your wives, your children, and yourself – fight to preserve the sanctity of your body!

Call Texas Senators! Draw a line in the sand! CALL!

DOWNLOAD PDF: TSA Bill Called to Special Session – ACTION ITEMS!

*Updated, Tuesday, June 21

**Updated, Thursday, June 23

Contact: Adam McManus, 210-373-7499, inventivepromo@gmail.com

AUSTIN, Texas, June 21, 2011 — After being confronted in person and on videotape by TSATyrrany.com co-founder Wesley Strackbein to add the TSA anti-groping bill to the Special Session at a June 18th New Orleans book signing, Texas Gov. Rick Perry concluded that it was time to lend his belated support to the Travelers’ Dignity Act, which he called to the Special Session late yesterday afternoon.

“We are grateful that Gov. Perry — following a disappointing flip-flop — heard the cry of his constituents and did what he said he would do: bring the TSA bill to the floor of the Texas legislature,” Strackbein stated. Strackbein’s appeal to the Governor was echoed by Texas State Rep. David Simpson (R-Longview) who wrote a pull-no-punches open letter to Perry on Monday morning in which he expressed his growing frustration.

“Texans overwhelmingly support this measure as I am sure your office can attest. And the Legislature is ready to pass it as soon as you call the bill,” wrote Simpson. “Gov. Perry, there remains only for you to call the bill. Any concerns for time would be quickly wiped away if you would take the bull by the horns and provide leadership on this bill.”

Simpson documented in his letter that 112 of 150 members of the Texas House were co-sponsors of HB 41 which would make it a criminal act for security personnel to touch a person’s private areas without probable cause or express consent as a condition of travel. And Texas State Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) indicated in earlier June 15th letter to Perry that he had the votes in the Senate for the companion bill, SB 29.

By Monday evening, June 20th Perry concluded — contrary to the answer he gave Strackbein this past Saturday morning — that there was indeed sufficient time and support for the anti-groping TSA bill to be added to the Special Session. Perry made the announcement last evening in an official proclamation.

When the Texas Senate was on the verge of passing the Travelers’ Dignity Act at the close of the regular legislative session in late May, U.S. Attorney John Murphy of San Antonio sent a letter on behalf of the Department of Justice which threatened to declare Texas a no-fly zone — essentially grounding all inbound and outbound flights — if the anti-groping TSA bill became law.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who was initially intimidated, ultimately drew a different conclusion. Yesterday, Dewhurst stated, “The Obama Administration overstepped its bounds by implicitly threatening to shut down air traffic in Texas if we passed this bill. After working closely with the Attorney General’s Office the last few weeks, I’m confident that we can pass legislation that addresses these threats, while protecting innocent passengers and preserving our state’s rights.”

Now, in the face of growing public pressure for Texas government to secure the Fourth Amendment rights of its citizens, 12 Texas State Senators remain oddly undecided.

“We call upon all freedom-loving Texans to take a stand for our right to travel without compromising the sanctity of our bodies,” said Michael Gobart, co-founder of TSATyranny.com. “Visit our website and take just 6 minutes to call the 12 undecided Senators. We need every vote we can get.”

Wesley Strackbein agreed. “A pathway for liberty has been opened. The Texas Senate and House must now break through this breach in tyranny’s wall and bring us to victory. Call your State Senators and urge them to send this clear message to Washington: ‘You can’t grope Texas.’”

To schedule an interview with either TSATyranny.com co-founder Wesley Strackbein or Michael Gobart, contact Adam McManus at inventivepromo@gmail.com or call 210.373.7499.

There are now enough Texas representatives and senators supporting the Anti-TSA Groping bills to pass this legislation! Now we need your help convincing Governor Perry to bring these bills before the special session for a vote.

Here are the facts:

Rep. David Simpson, author of the Anti-TSA Groping Bill in the Texas House, has confirmed 102 coauthors for his proposed special session bill HB 41 (formerly HB 1937) — far more than enough support to pass this bill. As of yesterday, June 10, TSA Tyranny confirmed that 18 Texas senators support HB 41, as well as Sen. Dan Patrick’s Senate version of the bill, SB 29. Of the remaining 13 Texas senators, 10 have not confirmed their positions on HB 41 and SB 29 and 3 are opposed to these bills.

The Special Session

On May 30, 2011, Texas Governor Rick Perry announced a special session which did not include the Anti-TSA Groping legislation. On May 31, Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst sent a letter to the governor that said: “Special Session ? I believe that it would be in the best interest of all Texans to start tomorrow and ask you to consider including the following bills in your call:” Lt. Governor Dewhurst’s request included the itemized listing of: “HB 1937 – Relating to prosecution and punishment for the offense of official oppression by the intrusive touching of persons seeking access to public buildings and transportation.”

Lt. Governor Dewhurst concluded his letter by informing Governor Perry that only a simple majority vote will be required to pass bills during the special session:

“As you know, certain Senate procedures — such as the two-thirds tradition — exist to bring Democrats and Republicans together, encouraging Members to work in good faith in order to achieve positive outcomes for the people of Texas. Given that a small number of Senate Democrats have demonstrated their unwillingness to find consensus on these important legislative items, I can see no other alternative than to operate under a simple majority vote in the Special Session.”

More than a simple majority of our Texas representatives and senators now support the Anti-TSA Groping legislation, which means that HB 41 and SB 29 will pass if these bills are brought before the special session by Governor Rick Perry. But we must act quickly to tell the governor the support he has been waiting for is now there—before the special session ends.

Governor Perry Will Bring HB 41 and SB 29 Before the Special Session If He Believes They Will Pass!

The Waco Tea Party reported that, during a May 31 conference call with Governor Perry regarding the special session, Governor Perry indicated he will only bring the Anti-TSA Groping bills before the special session if it is clear the bills will pass. At this point we have clear support for these bills in both the House and the Senate. Now we must ensure that Lt. Governor Dewhurst and Governor Perry are aware of this simple majority support and urge them to bring these bills before the special session!

Action Points:

Senators’ Positions on Anti-TSA Groping Legislation:

Senator – (Party)	Support	Phone #
Birdwell, Brian – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0122
Carona, John – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0116
Davis, Wendy – (D)	Unconfirmed: Reviewing Current Wording in New Senate Version of Bill **	(512) 463-0110
Deuell, Bob – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0102
Duncan, Robert – (R)	Unconfirmed	(512) 463-0128
Ellis, Rodney – (D)	YES	(512) 463-0113
Eltife, Kevin – (R)	YES *	(512) 463-0101
Estes, Craig – (R)	YES ***	(512) 463-0130
Fraser, Troy – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0124
Gallegos, Mario, Jr. – (D)	Unconfirmed	(512) 463-0106
Harris, Chris – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0109
Hegar, Glenn – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0118
Hinojosa, Juan “Chuy” – (D)	NO	(512) 463-0120
Huffman, Joan – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0117
Jackson, Mike – (R)	Unconfirmed	(512) 463-0111
Lucio, Eddie, Jr. D	Unconfirmed	(512) 463-0127
Nelson, Jane – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0112
Nichols, Robert	YES	(512) 463-0103
Ogden, Steve – (R)	Unconfirmed	(512) 463-0105
Patrick, Dan – (R)	YES (Author)	(512) 463-0107
Rodríguez, José – (D)	Unconfirmed	(512) 463-0129
Seliger, Kel – (R)	Unconfirmed	(512) 463-0131
Shapiro, Florence – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0108
Uresti, Carlos – (D)	Unconfirmed	(512) 463-0119
Van de Putte, Leticia – (D)	Unconfirmed	(512) 463-0126
Watson, Kirk	Unconfirmed: Reviewing Current Wording in New Senate Version of Bill **	(512) 463-0114
Wentworth, Jeff – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0125
West, Royce – (D)	YES	(512) 463-0123
Whitmire, John – (D)	NO	(512) 463-0115
Williams, Tommy – (R)	YES	(512) 463-0104
Zaffirini, Judith – (D)	Unconfirmed: Reviewing Current Wording in New Senate Version of Bill ***	(512) 463-0121

.

Governor Perry is Fed Up!

In his book, Fed Up, Governor Perry declared:

“We are fed up with being over-regulated. We are tired of being told how much salt to put on our food, what kind of cars we can drive, what kinds of guns we can own, what kind of prayers we are allowed to say and where we can say them, what we are allowed to do to elect political candidates, what kind of energy we can use, what doctor we can see. What kind of nation are we becoming? I fear it’s the very kind the Colonists fought against…

But perhaps most of all, we are fed up because deep down we know how great America has always been, how many great things the people do in spite of their government, and how great the nation can be in the future if government will just get out of the way.”

Perry concluded:

“Our fight is clear. We must step up and retake the reins of our government from a Washington establishment that has abused our trust. We must empower states to fight for our beliefs, elect only leaders who are on our team, set out to remind our fellow Americans why liberty is guaranteed in the Constitution, and take concrete steps to take back our country. The American people have never sat idle when liberty’s trumpet sounds the call to battle-and today that battle is for the soul of America.”

Urge Governor Perry to heed his own words! Urge him to retake the reigns from those who have abused our trust. Urge Governor Perry to be a leader who reminds his fellow Americans why liberty is guaranteed in the Constitution!

Act Now! Call the Lt. Governor — (512) 463-0715 — and Governor — (512) 463-2000! Tell them we want our Fourth Amendment rights protected when we travel! Tell them to bring the Anti-TSA Bills before the special session! Tell them to draw a line in the sand!

TSA Tyranny ~ “Where law ends, tyranny begins…”

*Edited (June 14, 2011)

**Edited (June 15, 2011)

***Edited (June 16, 2011)

Once you’ve taken action, Email Us – let us know what each office reports.

Download PDF of Article: Help Governor Perry (Edited 061611)

Bill that died during session may get 2nd chance

Updated: Friday, 03 Jun 2011, 2:33 PM CDT
Published : Friday, 03 Jun 2011, 2:33 PM CDT

• David Scott

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The fight against pat downs at Texas airports may be revived in the Legislature.

Lawmakers backed off the provision recently when federal officials threatened to cancel flights to Texas. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, wrote on his Facebook page that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has had a change of heart and now supports the measure that would prohibit intimate pat downs by the U.S Transportation Safety Administration.

“The Lt. Gov. sent a letter to Gov. (Rick) Perry asking him to include the TSA bill HB 1937 in the special session.” Simpson wrote. “Please call the Governor and tell him you agree with Lt. Gov. Dewhurst.”

The measure would make it a misdemeanor for TSA agents to pat down travelers without probable cause for suspicion. The penalty would be a $4,000 fine and up to a year in jail.

More than 90 of the 150 House members have signed on to the bill, but then backed off when federal authorities questioned the legality of the bill.

Read more…

Do you want to protect the sanctity of your body and the bodies of your family? Our culture’s perception of
sanctity is continually eroding. This is not a war isolated to rhetoric or theory – this war has practical consequences for you, your wives, and your children. Groping of your most private parts, in order to fly, is unacceptable. Moral perversion must not prevail without a fight. Do not sit idly by while your liberties are threatened. This battle is engaged now – it does not come at the time of your choosing. Generations have fought for the freedoms you enjoy. Do not let them be stripped from you without action!

You can actively and practically participate in this cause. Have you called Gov. Perry to voice your opinion about H.B. 1937 and sanctity in flying? Gov. Perry has the authority to bring this bill before the special session. Will Gov. Perry listen to the people of Texas? Will he protect Texans against unlawful searches and seizures? Call and voice your opinion. Ask Gov. Perry to bring H.B. 1937 before the special session: (800) 252-9600, (512) 463-2000. If you have called before, call again.

Forward this appeal to your friends. We must be vigilant and indefatigable.

Your Wife & Children are Threatened – Act Now to Protect Them!

Call Gov. Perry’s office. Mobilize by forwarding this appeal to your friends.

Thank you for joining in this battle.

TSA Tyranny

Taken from Doug’s Blog, originally posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011:

Attorney Don Hart’s thoughts on what has transpired [with H.B. 1937]:

Texas Senate Bill 1937 unanimously passed the House and had commitments of support from 30 of 31 Texas Senators late last night.

The bill makes it a crime for a TSA agent to touch the private parts of any Texan seeking to engage in air travel or enter a public building absent a showing that such a personal invasion is constitutional.

Less than an hour before the bill came before the house for a vote, the Department of Justice wrote to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, members of the Senate and other leaders threatening, among other things, to in all likelihood shut down all air travel through Texas if the bill passed.

Department of Justice Letter

In apparent confusion and panic, Senators’ commitments to support the bill were pulled down and the bill was withdrawn.

While the bill provides an “out” from criminal prosecution if the TSA can show that its warrantless actions absent probable cause are constitutional, the DOJ letter erroneously claims the law violates the Supremacy Clause. While the Supremacy Clause protects actions of the Federal Government which are constitutional, it does not make everything the Federal Government does constitutional. There is quite a difference, and this bill would require TSA to show that their actions are lawful under the constitution.

Don Hart, Esq.

Editors Note:

Call Governor Perry and urge him to place H.B. 1937 before the Senate during his special session! Urge him to play to role of a heroic Texan.

Gov. Rick Perry’s contact information is:

Phone: 512-463-2000

E-mail: Click Here

Texans need to be heard on this! Time is of the essence. We must act now!

Note:  The first called session of the 82nd Legislature began today, Tuesday, May 31 at 8:00 am. Thus far, Gov. Perry has only called two “budget” bills. Gov. Perry can call up more bills if he desires. Lt. Gov. Dewhurst sent a letter to Gov. Perry requesting him to include the TSA bill HB 1937 in the special session! Please call the Governor and tell him you agree with Lt. Gov. Dewhurst!

Gov. Perry is the highest official in the state of Texas – let him know what you think about HB 1937.

Dear Friends,

This is an important announcement from Texas regarding HB 1937, a bill to forbid TSA agents from touching travelers’ private parts without probable cause.

We have received an urgent report from our friend, Representative David Simpson (https://www.facebook.com/davidsimpsonfortexas).

A special session has been called for numerous bills including SB 8, SB 23, SB 1811, HB 6, etc.  The special session began this morning (May 31) and should last at least a week.  The time has come to yet again show our support for perhaps the most popular and truly emergency bill of the session.

Please call, fax, and email the Governor RIGHT NOW to ask that HB 1937 be added to the emergency legislation for the special session.

Governor Rick Perry

Phone: (800) 252-9600, (512) 463-2000

Fax: (512) 463-1849

E-mail: http://governor.state.tx.us/contact/assistance.aspx

Governor Rick Perry is making rumblings about running for President on a “Fed Up” campaign.  When you call, remind his staff that this issue would make a great topic for his campaign.

Let us pray along with our hero for Texas liberty, David Simpson:

May God establish the work of our hands.

For Texas and Liberty,

TSA Tyranny