Fitzpatrick: TSA Made the Right Call to Halt Knives on Planes

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) issued the following statement Wednesday regarding the announcement of the Transportation Safety Administrations decision not to ease restrictions on carrying knives on airplanes:

"Securing safe travel aboard airplanes for passengers is a fundamental objective of the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA)- I'm pleased to see that their decision today honors that commitment.

The easing of rules to allow objects like knives onboard flights would have been a reckless, potentially dangerous, decision by the TSA- a concern I addressed to TSA Administrator Pistole in May.

I've worked on airline safety legislation with Ellen Saracini -- widow of terror victim and pilot Victor Saracini - who knows the importance of airline security first-hand. In the process I was able to hear from pilots, passenger safety advocates, and law enforcement officials who knew it was wrong to allow knives back on planes. I am glad the TSA listened to their concerns.

Travelers and airline employees deserve to feel safe while flying- the agency's decision today ensures another level of safety and allows TSA agents to focus on enforcing important security protocols already in place."

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