CRAMER ANNOUNCES PROTECTION FOR PILOTS AGAINST TERRORISM
July 10, 2002
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) announced today
that the House of Representatives passed a bill allowing certain
commercial airline pilots who are deputized to carry firearms in the
cockpit. The Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act (H.R. 4635) allows more
than 70,000 commercial airline pilots to carry firearms in the cockpit.
"I’m pleased the House passed this bill today that will help
protect both pilots and passengers," said Cramer. "Our
commercial airline pilots should not be defenseless if a hijacking
occurs, and I’m pleased that they will now be able to defend
themselves and the airline passengers. The attacks of September 11th
made us realize that our pilots must be ready to react to emergency
situations and we should give them the resources to do so."
Commercial airline pilots would be allowed to carry firearms in the
cockpit if they agree to undergo training and any pilots who are former
military or law enforcement would be given priority for participation.
The bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to
begin training qualified pilots within two months of enactment. The
program calls for a mandatory reevaluation by Congress after three
years. The legislation also requires separate self-defense training for
flight attendants.
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