February 10, 2004
The President The White House Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
Many of our constituents have contacted our Congressional offices concerned that their privacy rights have been violated by airlines turning over personal consumer information to the federal government without their knowledge or consent.
We certainly understand, that after the horrible attacks of September 11, 2001, heightened security is necessary to ensure safe air travel. However, even with the necessary exchange of liberty for security, consumers have the right to know how their private, personal information will be used.
Before the Computer-Assisted Passenger Pre-Screening Program (CAPPS II) is implemented, we urge the adoption of a specific policy that makes clear the role of airlines in sharing consumer information with the federal government. Such a policy should articulate what information can be shared by airlines and how such information is to be shared. First, we would anticipate a clear explanation as to the boundaries of any information-sharing between airlines and the federal government. Second, consumers must be clearly informed at the time they purchase their airline tickets as to how their personal information will be used.
We look forward to working with you in striking the appropriate balance that ensures the protection of our national security and the protection of our civil liberties, and thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.
Respectfully,
John F. Tierney Member of Congress
Janice D. Schakowsky Member of Congress
Nancy Pelosi House Democratic Leader
Sherrod Brown Member of Congress
William D. Delahunt Member of Congress
Jay Inslee Member of Congress
Tammy Baldwin Member of Congress
Carolyn B. Maloney Member of Congress
Karen McCarthy Member of Congress
Edward J. Markey Member of Congress
Michael M. Honda Member of Congress
Jim McDermott Member of Congress
Jose E. Serrano Member of Congress
Michael E. Capuano Member of Congress
Sam Farr Member of Congress
Sheila Jackson Lee Member of Congress
John Conyers Jr. Member of Congress
Jerrold Nadler Member of Congress
Betty McCollum Member of Congress
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Member of Congress
Jim Turner Member of Congress
James P. Moran Member of Congress
Melvin L. Watt Member of Congress
Gene Green Member of Congress
Pete Stark Member of Congress
Martin T. Meehan Member of Congress
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