Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Ariz., revealed that he was one of three Republican members of Congress targeted by the Biden administration through the Transportation Security Administration’s controversial “Quiet Skies” surveillance program, which was officially terminated earlier this year, as reported [1] by Fox News.
Hamadeh, speaking with Fox News Digital, said he was notified that federal officials placed him under surveillance in December 2022 while he was running for Arizona attorney general.
“It sadly doesn’t surprise me,” Hamadeh said, citing the broader climate of government pressure on private organizations at the time.
He recalled banks shutting down accounts linked to gun sales or conservative causes and social media companies censoring political voices critical of the administration.
Hamadeh described the timing of the surveillance as “interesting,” noting that it occurred while he was challenging the outcome of his razor-thin 2022 attorney general race, which was decided by 280 votes out of 2.5 million.
He added, “You don’t know if that was a factor. And I would assume so, because at the time, it was such a hostile environment with President Biden when he was in power. I mean, my God, they were calling MAGA fascists. They were calling us threats to democracy constantly.”
Hamadeh, a former U.S. Army Reserve intelligence officer with top secret clearance, called the situation “peculiar,” given his background and overseas travel history.
The surveillance program came under scrutiny in June, when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it was shutting it down.
DHS said the program had cost taxpayers approximately $200 million annually, kept a politically influenced watchlist, and did not prevent a single terrorist attack. The department said other security measures would continue to ensure aviation safety.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued a statement condemning the program, calling it a “political rolodex” used to benefit allies and punish opponents. She urged a full congressional investigation into how the program was applied and who was targeted.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, held a hearing on the matter earlier this week. Paul confirmed that three current Republican members of Congress had been monitored.
He also said records showed federal air marshals tracked now-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during domestic flights, documenting details such as her appearance and the number of electronics she carried.
Hamadeh praised the Senate hearing and the termination of the program, but questioned why only Republicans were surveilled.
“It makes you question what the Biden administration, who they were focusing on, who they were targeting specifically. I mean, look at Tulsi Gabbard. I mean what? What a complete 180 for now to have her be running the intelligence agencies as the director of national intelligence.”
Paul said the end of Quiet Skies was a step forward but warned that oversight must continue.
“We must make sure that this program does not come back under another name. Every official who directed or approved surveillance of Americans for protected speech must be removed from office,” Paul said.
Fox News Digital reported it reached out to Biden’s office for comment.