Political Quotes

“I'd like to talk about an issue of vital importance to the people of the United States. Is our government doing absolutely everything in its power to prevent another occurrence such as the one on September 11, where our own airplanes, full of innocent men, women, and children, were hijacked and turned into guided missiles, killing thousands? We have taken many steps to prevent this from happening again, such as increased security checks and reinforcing cockpit doors. But for some reason we hesitate to take the additional step of ensuring our aircrews have the ability as well to guard against the terrorist threat. Today, I am proud to represent a bipartisan coalition including Senator Zell Miller, Senator Conrad Burns, Senator Frank Murkowski, Senator Jim Bunning, and Senator Strom Thurmond in introducing the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism and Cabin Defense Act of 2002. Armed pilots are our first line of deterrence and the last line of defense to protect an aircraft from terrorist takeover. Trained Flight Attendants are an important part of an integrated, layered strategy to fight terrorists from the cabin to the cockpit. Flight Attendants need more training to defend themselves and the American people from future contemplated acts of terrorism. This legislation sets up a voluntary program to train and deputize pilots in the proper use of a firearm. The bill further repeals the authority of the Undersecretary for Transportation Security to block armed pilots.”