House panel OKs compromise on arming pilots

A House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee Wednesday approved a compromise bill that would allow a small number of airline pilots to carry firearms as part of a two-year demonstration program.

"I strongly believe that under these circumstances, arming trained and highly qualified flight crew members is a necessary step to ensure the safety and security of the flying public," said Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John Mica, R-Fla.

The legislation (H.R. 4635), which passed on a voice vote, would give the Transportation Security Administration up to four months to develop standards and regulations. Volunteer pilots, preferably those with military or law enforcement backgrounds, would then be trained and deputized to carry firearms.

The two-year trial period would begin as soon as 250 pilots are deputized, and the number of pilots carrying weapons would be capped at only 2 percent of all commercial passenger pilots, which would total about 1,400 pilots.

Transportation Ranking Member James Oberstar, D-Minn., who initially opposed the idea of arming pilots, supported the compromise. "Aircraft security, like aircraft safety, depends on an interlocking, interconnected web of redundancy," said Oberstar. "This would not be necessary if the rest of the system were ready." He added that it was important that the bill allows lawmakers to "stop and take stock" before implementing a full-fledged program.

The agreement between Oberstar and Mica was included in a substitute amendment, which passed on a voice vote.

The full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to consider the legislation next week. A few amendments that will likely be debated in the full committee were discussed at the subcommittee meeting.

One, offered by Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, and Vern Ehlers, R-Mich., would give the airlines a voice in whether their pilots should be armed. Since most, if not all, airlines are opposed to the idea, the amendment could effectively gut the program. Johnson also wants to ensure that training new air marshals takes precedence over firearms training for pilots.

Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Texas, will ask for a study on how federal law officers, like FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration agents, who fly for other purposes can help improve security on aircraft.