Congresswoman Norma Torres Leads Lawmakers in Demanding Ontario Airport Remove Illegal, Partisan DHS Video
Calls out Trump Administration’s abuse of federal power and violations of constitutional law
ONTARIO, CA — Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) led a coalition of regional Members of Congress in sending a letter to Ontario International Airport (ONT) Board President Alan Wapner and CEO Atif Elkadi, demanding the immediate removal of a partisan video featuring Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem from all TSA checkpoints. The letter denounces the video as a flagrant violation of federal law and a misleading piece of political propaganda by the Trump Administration. Torres is joined by Representatives Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), and Mark Takano (CA-39).
“Federal law is crystal clear: taxpayer dollars cannot be used to create or spread political propaganda from the Trump Administration or any other Administration. Allowing this video to play at Ontario International Airport undermines public confidence in the airport’s commitment to serve the Inland Empire, regardless of political beliefs, and threatens the safeguards that protect us from political coercion,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “ONT has become one of the Inland Empire’s greatest success stories, and its leadership should be proud of that record. But no institution is above the law, and I expect ONT to uphold its impartial reputation and follow federal law. ”
ONT airport has been potentially playing the misleading, unlawful video to more than 19,000 passengers a day. In contrast, airports across the country and in California have refused to display the same video to comply with federal law and maintain nonpartisanship, including major California airports like John Wayne, Hollywood Burbank, San Diego International, San José Mineta International, Sacramento, Oakland, and San Francisco International.
The Noem Video violates multiple federal laws, such as Section 715 of Public Law 118-47, the Hatch Act, and the Anti-Lobbying Act (18 U.S.C. §1913), all of which prohibit the use of taxpayer funds or federal facilities for partisan political activity or to influence the public on legislation.
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