Arming Pilots Takes Another
Critical Step Forward
|
"...[H.R. 4635] simply tries to make sure all the bases are covered..." |
|
|
-- U.S. Representative Richard Baker (R-La.) |
|
Rep. Thune (R-SD) |
Rep. Baker (R-LA) |
On Wednesday, the House Transportation Committee approved
H.R. 4635 - legislation that would mandate the establishment of a
program that would allow as many as 1,400 (2%) properly trained
commercial airline pilots to have access to firearms as a last
line of defense against terrorist hijackers. The test program has
bipartisan support, and would give preference to pilots with
prior military or law-enforcement experience. While NRA would
like to see this option extended to all properly trained flight
deck crew, this legislation represents a good first step in the
right direction, and was passed in committee on a voice vote.
There are lawmakers who would also like to see the program
expanded to more pilots. During Wednesday's Committee meeting,
U.S. Representative John Thune (R-S.D.) discussed increasing to
10% the amount of pilots who could take part in this test
program. Rep. Thune may offer his amendment when the bill is
brought up for consideration before the full House, which could
occur in the near future.
We can also expect anti-gun extremists to propose amendments that
would completely gut this legislation, as their sole focus on
airline security seems to be relying on reinforced cockpit doors
and enhanced screening procedures at airports. On Wednesday, U.S.
Representative Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.) discussed several
proposals she intends to introduce that would eviscerate H.R.
4635. She would allow the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) - currently headed by John Magaw (head of the BATF under the
Clinton/Gore Administration) - to terminate the test program, and
would require armed pilots to store their firearms in lockers at
airports.
The full House should take up H.R. 4635 for consideration shortly
after lawmakers return from their Independence Day District Work
Period on July 8. The bill now has 55 co-sponsors, and support
for it continues to grow. And while enhancing airline and airport
security in other areas is certainly a laudable goal, it should
be done in concert with arming pilots, not instead, as anti-gun
lawmakers continue to suggest. As U.S. Representative Richard Baker (R-La.)
told the New Orleans Times-Picayune, "In this day
and age, you just can't have too much security to help people
feel protected from even the most unforeseeable threats, and
[H.R. 4635] simply tries to make sure all the bases are covered."
Meanwhile, S. 2554, the U.S. Senate bill that seeks to arm
properly trained flight deck crew, has 11 co-sponsors, and could
use more. Please contact your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121 and
urge them to co-sponsor S. 2554. And call your U.S.
Representative at (202) 225-3121 and urge him to co-sponsor H.R.
4635, to oppose any anti-gun amendments to the bill, and to vote
for it when it is brought to the House floor for consideration.
You can find additional contact information by using our "Write Your
Reps" tool.
Related Stories...
More About Federal Issues
Remind All Lawmakers to Support Arming Pilots (June 2002)
Keep Up The Pressure on Magaw & Mineta (May 2002)
Magaw & Mineta Say "NO" to Armed Pilots (May 2002)
Call to Arm Pilots Grows Louder (May 2002)
Airline Pilots Petition President Bush (Apr. 2002)
Aviation Security Bill Includes Armed Pilots Language (Nov. 2001)
|
|
