Full Committee Markup of FAA Reauthorization, HR 4441

Statement of Rep. André Carson

Full Committee Markup of FAA Reauthorization, HR 4441

Support of Carson Amendment #31

Mr. Chairman, I’m offering my amendment to improve flight safety by requiring the installation of secondary cockpit barriers on new passenger airplanes.

Unfortunately, Americans continue to be susceptible to terrorist attacks. Since 2001, there have been at least 43 hijacking attempts around the world since, 5 of which were successful.

The Federal Aviation Administration has required cockpit doors to be heavily fortified since 2001. However, there are no barriers in place to protect the flight deck when pilots open the compartment to use the lavatory or stretch their legs. This leaves the flight deck vulnerable and pilots defenseless to potential attackers looking to seize control of the plane.

Installing secondary cockpit barriers provides a cost-effective, efficient, and safe solution to an issue that is dear to our hearts; protecting the flight deck. It ensures the protection of the flight crew and passengers. And, the general public will have peace of mind to know that sensible precautions have been taken to ensure their safety.

Obviously, the likelihood that any given flight will face a hijacking attempt is minimal. However, as a former law enforcement officer, I can tell you that having a back-up plan in place can save lives. We owe the flying public this extra protection.

Colleagues, this provision is similar to Mr. Fitzpatrick’s Saracini Aviation Safety Act, of which I’m a proud cosponsor. However, my amendment only applies to new passenger aircraft and does not apply retroactively or require retrofits. This amendment is supported by Mrs. Saracini, the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) and the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

I understand there is some concern about what “new” means. Whether this means aircraft in the pipeline or those signed for delivery. I am happy to work with the committee and with our stakeholders to provide some guidance on this, perhaps in report language. But I hope we take a bold step today for safety and approve this compromise amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and I yield back the balance of my time.