Jeff Miller: “on September 11th, terrorist hijackers killed eight unarmed pilots, hundreds of passengers, and thousands of innocent…”

“on September 11th, terrorist hijackers killed eight unarmed pilots, hundreds of passengers, and thousands of innocent people. There is evidence that more terrorist cells have been trained to take over commercial aircraft. Our own armed services may be forced to shoot down a plane full of innocent passengers to thwart a terrorist takeover. The Federal Government has a constitutional mandate to provide for the common defense. Mr. Chairman, we are failing! Our aviation system is still vulnerable, and we remain susceptible to unknown threats from an often-invisible enemy. Arming trained and qualified pilots to defend their aircraft cockpits is a necessary step to ensure the safety of the flying public. Many pilots have a law enforcement or military background and have experience with firearms. Pilots are entrusted with the lives of the flying public, and arming them will serve as a significant deterrent. What hijacker will break into a cockpit not knowing whether he will face an armed pilot? Mr. Chairman, some of my hoplophobic colleagues will urge us to give the current efforts at heightened security a chance. They will cite more metal detectors, sealed cockpit doors and the presence of air marshals. I ask them to explain that rationale to loved ones of the 9/11 victims. Mr. Chairman, we would never ask a combat pilot to fly into battle without his side arm as a back up. On September 11th, the battlefield entered the cockpit of commercial aircraft.”