Joe Wilson: “on September 11 terrorists took over commercial flights by using only box cutters. No one would have known their evil…”

“on September 11 terrorists took over commercial flights by using only box cutters. No one would have known their evil intent, but now we have an opportunity to stop and deter future hijackings and acts of terror by arming our pilots. The gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure chairman, and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), the Subcommittee on Aviation chairman, offered a common sense solution for preventing the passengers and crews of commercial flights from becoming sitting ducks. Their bill, H.R. 4635, Arming Pilots Against Terrorism, would begin a 2-year test program allowing a percentage of the current pilot workforce to be armed and trained for proper use. At least half of the Nation's commercial airline pilots have military or law enforcement backgrounds and are highly skilled and trained in self-defense. We trust pilots daily with our lives operating high-tech aircraft. I know we can depend on their competence as armed protection. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 4635 and give our pilots a fighting chance to protect innocent civilians from murderous terrorists.”