Chairman James Comer of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has requested documents from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. The request is part of an investigation into alleged political misuse of the Quiet Skies program under the Biden Administration. Comer also seeks a staff-level briefing on recent DHS findings related to this issue.
"The Committee commends the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Trump Administration for its recent decision to terminate [the Quiet Skies] program," stated Chairman Comer. He emphasized that this action addresses concerns about the program's effectiveness and politicization.
The Quiet Skies program was designed to identify travelers who might pose security risks, despite not being on government watchlists. It used behavioral indicators and travel patterns for enhanced screening by Federal Air Marshals. In August 2024, the Oversight Committee reviewed reports of political abuse within the program but did not receive all requested documents from the Biden Administration. Reports indicate selective enforcement, with exemptions granted to high-profile individuals linked to Democratic officials, while opponents faced increased scrutiny.
"Recent evidence uncovered by DHS confirms the Committee’s concerns about systematic politicization," said Chairman Comer. He criticized the $200 million annual cost of a program that failed to prevent terrorist incidents while allegedly offering preferential treatment based on political affiliations.
Comer highlighted issues such as secret exclusion lists involving foreign dignitaries, athletes, and journalists, which he claims undermined security effectiveness and constitutional principles.
Read the letter to Secretary Kristi Noem here.
