Upset that the recently launched commercial flights between the United States and Cuba do not have air marshals on them, Senator Marco Rubio wants all flights stopped until an agreement over security can be signed.
Rubio, who introduced a bill to do such a thing, also wants answers from the Obama administration over what he calls “lies” regarding the Transportation Security Administration claiming last month that the agreement had been signed.
“You and your administration’s lack of concern for the American people’s safety — as evidenced by allowing commercial, non-charter flights between the U.S. and Cuba to commence without the presence of federal air marshals, and lying about it to Congress,” Rubio wrote in a letter to the President, “is further proof that you are putting your legacy ahead of the safety and security of the American people, including the people of Florida.”
Air marshals have been on previous charter flights to the island, but an agreement to have similar measures on commercial flights is still pending.
The TSA said in an August statement that the agreement between the two countries had been signed, but a deputy administrator admitted that Cuba had not signed the deal.
American Airlines, who will launch the most flights between the nations as part of the new plans, issued a statement saying the safety of passengers is not at risk on any flights.
