FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alaska State House Agrees: No One Should Have to Sacrifice Dignity to Travel
Rep. Tuck’s Sense of the House supporting Rep. Cissna passes overwhelmingly
JUNEAU – Today, the House of Representatives in the Alaska State Legislature overwhelmingly passed a Sense of the House stating that “no one should have to sacrifice their dignity in order to travel.” The motion, offered by Representative Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage), came just days after a member of the Alaska House, Representative Sharon Cissna (D-Anchorage) refused to submit to a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) patdown at the Seattle-Tacoma airport.
“The stand Sharon took highlights the choice too many Americans have to face when traveling—maintaining their dignity or getting on the plane,” said Rep. Tuck. “I am proud of Sharon for taking her stand and of my colleagues in the House for emphasizing the fact that no one should have to sacrifice their dignity to travel.”
Air travel is an important part of Alaska’s economy and transportation system as many towns and villages do not have road access. Residents frequently fly to regional hubs for medical care or to purchase goods unavailable in their hometowns.
“For many Alaskans, air travel is the only option for getting to medical care, to see family or just to get home,” said Rep. Tuck. “TSA has to find a better way to keep our flights safe without treading on the rights of innocent people.”
The Sense of the House offered by Rep. Tuck is pasted below.
SENSE OF THE HOUSE
Offered by REP. CHRIS TUCK
February 23, 2011
INTRO
Last weekend, the senior member of this body from District 22 chose respect. She stood up for her rights, her sense of decency, and her prior commitments to herself at the Seattle airport by not submitting to an intrusive search of her body.
SENSE OF THE HOUSE
It is the Sense of the House that efficient travel is a cornerstone of the economy and our quality of life, especially in Alaska, and that no one should have to sacrifice their dignity in order to travel.
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