Background

Recently, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) announced that it would lift restrictions on certain items from being brought onboard aircraft. They have announced that starting December 22nd, items such as scissors, large screwdrivers and other items will be allowed onboard the aircraft.

Representatives Ed Markey (D-MA) and Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) have introduced legislation that would prevent TSA from changing or removing items from the prohibited items list – items that we believe can still be used as weapons to harm us or passengers, whether it’s a disruptive, drunk passenger or a terrorist hoping to replicate 9-11.

S. 2083 and HR 4452 the "Leave All Blades Behind Act" prevents TSA from allowing these potential weapons back onboard the aircraft. We must let our elected Congressmembers know that they must support this legislation and that it must be passed as quickly as possible.

 

Representative Edward Markey


TSA should not be making it easier for the next Mohammed Atta to terrorize passengers at 30,000 feet.
-Representative Edward Markey (D-MA)
Representative Edward Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY) today introduced the "Leave All Blades Behind Act" to prevent the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from lifting a ban on razor-sharp scissors and other weapon-usable objects in the passenger cabins of commercial airliners. The TSA ban was put in effect after the 9/11 hijackers used boxcutters to launch their deadly attack.

"TSA should not be making it easier for the next Mohammed Atta to terrorize passengers at 30,000 feet," Rep. Markey said. "The flight attendants, air marshals and families of 9/11 victims support keeping the ban in place. The Bush Administration should listen to them – they know, from first-hand experience, the devastation that sharp objects such as metal scissors can cause in the hands of a suicidal terrorist," Rep. Markey added.

"Today Rep. Crowley and I will introduce the "Leave All Blades Behind Act." Our bill would reverse TSA's risky, misguided decision to permit razor-sharp scissors and other tools back in the passenger cabin, which could easily be wielded as a deadly weapon by a terrorist. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) will introduce and Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) will co-sponsor companion Senate legislation. The Republican-controlled Congress should schedule a vote on our bill before Congress adjourns later this month.

 

Patricia Friend

Under no circumstances should potentially dangerous weapons be allowed aboard an aircraft.
-Patricia Friend, AFA-CWA Intl President

Patricia Friend, AFA-CWA International President, testified before the United States Senate Transportation Committee regarding the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) new passenger screening procedures

"We believe unequivocally that these proposed changes will further endanger the lives of all flight attendants and the passengers we work so hard to keep safe and secure. We remain perplexed why these items should be onboard the aircraft cabin and why the federal government will take a big step back in the post – September 11th efforts to make our aviation system the most secure in the world."

"It has been more than 4 years since the terrible events of September 11, 2001, when 25 of our fellow flight attendants perished on those four deadly flights. Some of these fine individuals, all proudly wearing the uniforms of their respective carriers, were the first victims to be killed by the ruthless tactics of terrorists. Since then the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, which represents 46, 000 flight attendants at 22 U.S. airlines, has worked diligently as a key industry stakeholder to assure that all flight attendants and passengers have the best possible chance for survival the next time they find themselves face to face with a terrorist.
Full text of testimony