Arlen Specter: “I am unable to support the amendment by my colleagues Senator Smith and Senator Boxer to arm pilots on commercial…”

“I am unable to support the amendment by my colleagues Senator Smith and Senator Boxer to arm pilots on commercial flights because I am concerned that such a proposal would invite gun fights in the cockpit. I believe that federal air marshals are the individuals best suited to handle any terrorist situation which might arise on a flight, and am fully supportive of providing the financial resources necessary to hire additional air marshals. Although this amendment would provide significant training for pilots to handle firearms, I remain concerned that in an emergency situation their concentration should be focused on flying the plane, not dealing with attackers in the passenger cabin. I do strongly support the provision in the amendment which would provide self-defense training for flight attendants, however I simply do not believe it is worth the risk to have the availability of guns in the cockpit which could fall into terrorist hands.”