WASHINGTON, D.C. — During a recent hearing, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) questioned Chad F. Wolf, the Trump administration’s nominee to serve as under secretary for strategy, policy and plans at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on the agency’s policies that repeatedly subject some travelers to obtrusive and time-consuming secondary security screenings.

Peters, the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, recounted complaints he has received from Michiganders who have regularly faced serious disruptions and challenges while traveling.

In response, Wolf expressed his shared concern that the agency’s policies could be repeatedly inconveniencing some travelers and expressed his willingness to investigate the existence of larger, systemic flaws in the traveler system.

Muslims and Arab Americans have especially reported frequent incidents of harassment, delays and poor treatment during flights in recent years.

“Time and time again, I have heard from my constituents who find themselves subject to lengthy and intrusive secondary screenings when they travel for business or to visit family,” Peters said. “We all agree that we must take appropriate measures to keep the traveling public safe, but these repeated, intrusive secondary screenings raise serious concerns for countless law-abiding Michiganders. I am glad that Acting Under Secretary Wolf shares my concern and is committed to addressing this serious issue, should he be confirmed to the position.”

Video of Peters’ questioning can be seen below: