“Congress voted today to provide a last line of defense for traveling Americans by authorizing qualified, trained and deputized pilots, who volunteer to carry firearms in the cockpit, to defend against terrorist aggressors,” said Rehberg, a co-sponsor of the legislation passed today.

“Congress acted to put future terrorists around the globe on notice that American air passenger flights are off limits.  America’s pilots will no longer be unarmed targets for terrorist aggression.  Those wishing to interfere with the safe operation of U.S. passenger airliners have now been warned: you will not succeed and your evil efforts will be met with lethal force,” concluded Rehberg.    

Under the legislation the House passed today, pilots who volunteer and complete an extensive training program and federal background check will be deputized as federal flight deck officers and authorized to carry firearms while piloting passenger aircrafts.