Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By Alton Parrish (Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

EPIC Class Action Lawsuit To Suspend Body Scanner Use To Begin Oral Arguments March 10, 2011 in Federal Court

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has scheduled oral argument in EPIC’s case, No. 10-1157, against the Department of Homeland Security. The court set a March 10, 2011 date for the parties to present oral argument before the Court. EPIC filed suit against the Department of Homeland Security to suspend the body scanner program because it is “unlawful, invasive, and ineffective.”

In its opening brief, EPIC argued that the federal agency has violated the Administrative Procedures Act, the Privacy Act, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the Video Voyeurism Prevention Act, and the Fourth Amendment.

The brief also argues that DHS scanners are ineffective and will not detect explosives. On December 25, 2009, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab boarded a United States-bound plane with a powered explosive hidden on his person that went undetected by screening procedures, even though he departed from an airport where body scanners were installed. AR 66.  Following this incident, the DHS accelerated its plan to make body scanners the primary screening technique in U.S. airports.  

In January of 2010, the GAO released a report questioning if the body scanners would have been able to detect the powdered explosive weapon used in the December 25 attempted attack.  The GAO requested an independent survey to be conducted on this topic. The results of this study are not available to the public.

The brief also questions the safety of full body scanners.  For example, on August 6, 2010, three U.S. Senators objected to the DHS’s expansion of the airport body scanner program. In a letter to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, Senators Collins (R-ME), Burr (R-NC), and Coburn (R-OK) asked “why the Department continues to purchase this technology when legitimate concerns about its safety appear to remain unanswered.” Letter from Senators Collins, Burr, Coburn to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano (Aug. 6, 2010), available at www.epic.org/redirect/090110senatorsletter.html. The Senators noted that “the issue of radiation associated with the backscatter x-ray AIT machines has not been adequately addressed by TSA.” They urged the agency’s Chief Medical Officer, working with independent experts, to conduct a review of the health effects on travelers and airport personnel.

As of May 7, 2010, Respondent has deployed fifty-eight body scanners in twenty-four airports across the country. By the end of December of  2010, 492 units are scheduled to be deployed in the United States, and an  additional 500 units in 2011. 

On December 25, 2009, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab boarded a United 
States-bound plane with a powered explosive hidden on his person that went 
undetected by screening procedures, even though he departed from an airport 
where body scanners were installed. AR 66.  Following this incident, the DHS 
accelerated its plan to make body scanners the primary screening technique in U.S. 
airports. AR 64. 
In January of 2010, the GAO released a report questioning if the body 
scanners would have been able to detect the powdered explosive weapon used in 
the December 25 attempted attack. AR 45.  The GAO requested an independent 
survey to be conducted on this topic. Id. The results of this study are not available 
to the public. 
As of May 7, 2010, Respondent has deployed fifty-eight body scanners in 
twenty-four airports across the country. AR 73 at 10.  By the end of December of 
2010, 492 units are scheduled to be deployed in the United States, and an 
additional 500 units in 2011. AR 75 at 

 

For more information, see EPIC: EPIC v. DHSand EPIC: Whole Body Imaging Technology.



Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.