(Tuesday, July 9, 2002) -- The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a watered-down version of an armed pilots bill tomorrow. The bill -- introduced by Representatives Don Young (R-AK) and John Mica (R-FL) -- was tremendously weakened in the Transportation Committee after its introduction.
As originally introduced, the bill (H.R. 4635) would begin putting armed pilots in the air within 90 days. But as amended in the committee, this bill would first institute a "pilot program" where only two percent of pilots could carry guns. The key word is "could," because John Magaw -- the Transportation Security Administration Director who is opposed to arming the pilots -- would be put in charge of implementing the program.
There is no deadline for getting the first pilot armed, and after the "test" period ends, Director Magaw can -- and probably will -- discontinue the program.
In response, several Representatives are considering amendments to increase the percentage of armed pilots from two percent to 100 percent -- that is, to allow any pilot who wishes to carry a firearm to be able to do so.
Once this bill clears the House, Senator Bob Smith waits poised to bring his bill, S. 2554, to the Senate floor for its own vote. His bill is clearly superior as it would mandate the arming of any pilot who wishes to protect his passengers and crew.
ACTION: Please urge your Representative to support any amendment that would allow 100 percent of the pilots (who wish to carry firearms) to be able to protect their planes. You can call your Representative at 202-225-3121 or toll-free at 1-877-762-8762. To identify your Representative, as well as to send a message via e-mail, see the Legislative Action Center at http://www.gunowners.org/activism.htm on the GOA website.
Dear Representative:
When H.R. 4635 comes to the floor, there may be amendments to mandate the arming of all pilots who wish to protect their passengers and crews with firearms. I hope that you will SUPPORT any such amendment!
Allowing 100 percent of pilots to carry firearms is far superior to just allowing two percent to carry guns. I hope you will work to safeguard our skies. It is outrageous that the official administration answer to a future terrorist hijacking is to send an F-16 fighter into the skies to shoot down the hijacked plane without even giving a threatened pilot the chance to save innocent lives.
Please let me know how you intend to act. Thank you.
Sincerely,