Introduced in House

[Congressional Bills 109th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Con. Res. 196 Introduced in House (IH)] 109th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 196 Honoring the pilots of United States commercial air carriers who volunteer to participate in the Federal flight deck officer program. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 30, 2005 Mr. Mica (for himself, Mr. Young of Alaska, Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California, Mr. Costello, and Mr. DeFazio) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security _______________________________________________________________________ CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Honoring the pilots of United States commercial air carriers who volunteer to participate in the Federal flight deck officer program. Whereas after the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress enacted legislation authorizing volunteer pilots of United States commercial air carriers who participate in the Federal flight deck officer program to use lethal force to defend the flight deck of an aircraft against acts of terrorism; Whereas a volunteer pilot in the Federal flight deck officer program must undergo rigorous psychological screening and a background investigation, as well as complete an intense training curriculum; Whereas volunteer pilots in the Federal flight deck officer program provide a significant deterrent against potential acts of violence or terrorism in United States airspace, are an essential layer of security for the Nation's flying public, and are a key factor in restoring confidence in the Nation's air transportation system; Whereas volunteer pilots in the Federal flight deck officer program devote personal time and finances to maintain a high standard of proficiency in the use of firearms and techniques for addressing emergencies in flight; and Whereas volunteer pilots in the Federal flight deck officer program, at great personal risk and with no compensation or recognition, are dedicated to the protection of the flight deck, thereby providing an additional layer of protection to the aircraft, passengers, and cargo from acts of terrorism, such as the possible use of the aircraft as a weapon of mass destruction against people on the ground: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress-- (1) recognizes that volunteer pilots in the Federal flight deck officer program are the consummate quiet professionals and embody what is best in our national character; (2) applauds volunteer pilots in the Federal flight deck officer program for taking a stand against those who would seek to harm the United States through acts of terrorism in the air; and (3) expresses appreciation to volunteer pilots in the Federal flight deck officer program on behalf of all citizens of the United States for the ongoing contribution of these pilots to the security of the Nation and its air transportation system.