Senate Approves Armed Pilots
While TSA Suggests Test Program
|
"...TSA’s support for a test program is certainly an improvement
over its previous position..." |
|
Congress is back in session, and the U.S. Senate took swift
action this week on arming pilots. U.S. Senator Bob Smith
(R-N.H.) offered his version of armed pilots legislation as an
amendment to H.R. 5005 - the legislation that would create a
Homeland Security Department. H.R. 5005 has yet to come to a
final vote in the Senate. The amendment was approved on an
overwhelming 87 - 6 vote on Thursday. If the current language
becomes law, it would establish a program that would train
commercial pilots to be able to use firearms as a last line of
defense against terrorist hijackers.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA),
which had been opposed to arming pilots, is now supporting a
scaled-down version of the Smith amendment passed yesterday. The
TSA was given the authority last year to implement a training
program for armed pilots, but refused to do so under its
former
head John Magaw. New TSA head Admiral James M. Loy has outlined
the parameters he would like to see for a limited test program.
The TSA’s support for a test program is certainly an improvement
over its previous position. But NRA will continue to work to
ensure any qualified pilot who wishes to take part in the armed
pilots program is able to do so. Please contact your U.S.
Senators and urge them to keep the Smith amendment intact, and to
do everything possible to ensure any armed pilots program passed
includes every pilot interested in participating in the program.
And if your Senators voted in favor of the Smith amendment,
please be sure to thank them. To reach your U.S. Senators, call
(202) 224-3121. You can also use our "Write Your Representatives"
tool to find additional contact information.
Related Stories...
More About Federal Issues
Support for Armed Pilots Remains High - Opposition Waning (July 2002)
Magaw & Mineta Say "NO" to Armed Pilots (May 2002)
|
