Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the gentlewoman from California, and I thank the manager of this bill, Judge Carter from Texas, for including my…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from California, and I thank the manager of this bill, Judge Carter from Texas, for including my amendment in the en bloc amendment. Let me explain it very simply. My amendment would help facilitate the Secretary of Homeland Security from being limited in their discretion for the utilization and enhancement of the use of Federal air marshals on inbound international flights considered to be high risk by the Department of Homeland Security. My amendment ensures that the Federal Air Marshal Service effectively uses its funds to deploy personnel on inbound flights that are considered high risk by the Department of Homeland Security and that there is no limit on that ability. I believe that Federal air marshals are the last line of defense in some instances in defending the cockpit and aircraft cabin against terrorist attacks. We know that airlines, airplanes, aviation still remains a very attractive target, as evidenced over the years, by terrorists. As the former chairwoman of the Transportation Security Committee, I have worked over the years and sponsored legislation to ensure we had enough air marshals who receive all the requisite training to effectively secure aircraft. Let me say that all of our individuals are important to the Department of Homeland Security. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment. I thank my colleagues for putting it in the en bloc, and I ask for its support. Mr.…”