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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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July 10, 2002 |
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CONGRESSMAN JOHN
SULLIVAN VOTES TO ARM PILOTS TO PROTECT AGAINST
TERRORISM
Sullivan Votes to Allow Pilots to Carry Guns on
Planes
to Protect Passengers and Crews from Terrorist
Activities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sullivan (R- OK) today
voted in favor of the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act. The
legislation is designed to allow pilots to volunteer to be deputized
as federal law enforcement officers.
"Pilots in our
cockpits are the last line of defense against terrorists," said
Congressman Sullivan. "It just makes sense that we allow them
to protect their crew and passengers from hijackers."
The Act
authorizes a demonstration program for participating pilots to carry
and use firearms in the course of their duties as a last line of
defense against terrorists. The number of deputized pilots
will be capped at two percent of their total workforce.
"The
United States Air Force has standing orders to shoot down planes
that have been hijacked," Sullivan said. "This measure
provides another line of defense before hundreds of innocent lives
are lost."
Before pilots will be allowed to carry weapons,
they will undergo Transportation Security Administration training.
The TSA will be responsible for establishing the protocol for
carrying guns. After the trial period, Congress will determine
whether to continue, expand or terminate the program.
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