House passes Baker-backed bipartisan bill to arm pilots against terrorism

July 10, 2002

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House of Representatives today voted overwhelmingly in favor of passage (310-113) of the bipartisan Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act.  The bill (H.R. 4635), originally cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Richard Baker, R-Baton Rouge, a senior member of the House Transportation committee, authorizes allowing all airline pilots who volunteer to receive training and be armed with handguns in cockpits.

“This important legislation will protect the well-being and help restore a more secure state of mind of the American people, but does so by openly and honestly addressing a sobering new reality.  The unfortunate fact people need to know is that since September 11^th, the military has orders to shoot down any plane the moment it has been taken over by terrorists.  We need to do everything possible for this not to happen.  But when all else fails, there needs to be a last line of defense against the terrorist.  That logical step is to arm the pilot, the commander of the plane,” Baker said.

“We’ve passed legislation which included my proposal to expand the air marshals program, but it’s even more important to have the same level of protection at the front of the plane as in the back.  Some cockpit door locking won’t be completely refitted until next year.  But it’s a new age when we must anticipate the unpredictable, and pilots deserve the right to protect everyone who flies, as the final obstacle to the evil designs of determined killers,” Baker said.

Before being deputized with firearms, pilots will undergo Transportation Security Administration (TSA) training. The TSA will be responsible for establishing protocols for carrying guns, including where they will be stored and what type will be used. Also included in the bill is a provision for flight attendant self-defense training.

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