Austin News

In his opening statement at the Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled "Aviation Cybersecurity Threats," Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) criticized the federal government's inconsistent handling of its own cybersecurity while imposing stringent standards on the private sector. Sen. Cruz expressed concerns over the complexity and inefficiencies within various agencies involved in cybersecurity, highlighting overlapping regulations and insufficient expertise, particularly at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Sen. Cruz also addressed the Biden-Harris administration's response to his inquiry regarding the housing of illegal aliens on airport property.

"If cybercrime were measured as a country it would be the third largest economy in the world—costing about ten trillion dollars a year, up from three trillion dollars ten years ago. It is a threat the federal government must take seriously," stated Sen. Cruz.

He noted that the transportation sector is frequently targeted by cyber criminals, referencing a 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline and other incidents involving airlines and airports globally.

"While the Port of Seattle recovers from the August hack, it appears travelers were largely spared from widespread disruptions," he said. "I look forward to hearing from SeaTac Managing Director Lance Lyttle on how the airport responded and any lessons learned."

Sen. Cruz emphasized that airlines, airports, and avionics manufacturers invest significantly in cybersecurity but cautioned against excessive regulation and reporting requirements.

"I am concerned about the dozens of potentially duplicative cybersecurity reporting requirements that regulated entities must already comply with," he remarked. "There may be a better or more effective way to keep critical infrastructure secure than more box-checking compliance activities."

Cruz criticized federal agencies for their poor track record in protecting data from cyberattacks and highlighted impractical mandates issued by TSA without private sector input.

"TSA’s security directives created so much confusion that they received an 'unprecedented number—more than 380—of alternative measure requests' from operators," he pointed out.

On TSA operations, Sen. Cruz mentioned his ongoing investigation into why certain cities were using commercial airports to house illegal aliens and criticized DHS and FAA for not providing requested information.

"The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including TSA, has failed to produce documents and communications requested about potential security threats illegal aliens pose to airports," he stated.

Additionally, Sen. Cruz worked with Senators Merkley and Kennedy on an amendment related to TSA's use of facial recognition technologies at passenger checkpoints.

"The TSA begged members of Congress to allow for continued facial recognition with no guardrails," he said.

He concluded by stressing the need for greater collaboration between TSA, DHS, and other stakeholders in rulemaking processes related to aviation cybersecurity.

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