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Press Release Archive
July 11, 2002
House Votes to Allow Trained Pilots to Carry Firearms
Akin is co-sponsor of the “Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act”
Washington, D.C.- Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act. The bill allows commercial airline pilots who have received training to carry handguns to defend against hijackings by terrorists.
The House passed the measure with a vote of 310-113. Congressman Akin, a co-sponsor of the bill released the following statement:
“By adopting this program, we will be giving pilots a plausible method of defending the cockpit and the lives of passengers and crew if other measures have failed,” stated Akin a co-sponsor of the bill. “This will be an effective safety measure and deterrent to those planning future terrorist hijackings.”
“Pilots will only be allowed to carry firearms after they have received training,” added Akin. “These pilots are highly trained professionals that we entrust with the safety of passengers and crew. If a jet is hijacked for terrorist purposes it may well have to be shot down by an F16. It seems reasonable to allow our pilots a last line of defense to protect against such a terrible possibility."
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