Israel, Fitzpatrick Introduce Airline Anti-Terror Bill

Press Release

Congressmen Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) and Steve Israel (NY-3) introduced bipartisan legislation Wednesday which would protect Americans from 9/11-style terror attacks by requiring the installation of secondary cockpit barriers on most commercial aircraft.

The Saracini Aviation Safety Act [H.R. 911/S. ] mandates inexpensive, light weight wire-mesh gates to be installed between the passenger cabin and the cockpit door that would blocks access to the flight deck whenever the cockpit door is opened during flight. The legislation is named in honor of pilot Captain Victor J. Saracini, who was killed when terrorists hijacked United Flight 175 on September 11, 2001. Saracini's widow, Ellen, is a leading advocate on the issue since her husband's death.

"I never want another family go through what mine did when terrorists breached the cockpit of my husband's airplane on September 11, 2001. It is my mission to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect the flight deck aboard our nation's airliners because, without secondary barriers, we are just as vulnerable today as we were on that day," said Saracini. "That's why I am pleased that, thanks to the leadership of Reps. Fitzpatrick and Israel, the 114th Congress is prepared to address the important issue of secondary barriers and begin protecting in the skies above us."

"Since 2001, there have been at least 43 hijacking attempts around the world since, five of which were successful. We know the threat to our nation from foreign terror groups or lone wolf actors continues to exist onboard our nation's aircraft, yet we're not taking steps to stop them by installing secondary barriers," said Fitzpatrick. "The bipartisan Saracini Aviation Safety Act is a common sense, cost effective approach to protecting the flight deck on commercial airplanes and provides a life-saving line of defense for pilots, flight attendants and passengers. I'm grateful to have Representative Israel join me in pushing for this vital update and the continued effort to protect Americans from terror."

"Sadly, we learned on 9/11 that terrorists will exploit every weakness in commercial aviation. Installing secondary barriers on commercial aircraft is a common-sense step we can take to bolster the safety of pilots, flight attendants and passengers for a fraction of the cost of an inflight entertainment system," said Israel. "I'm pleased to work with Rep. Fitzpatrick and Mrs. Saracini to advocate for the safety of our skies and our continued fight against terrorism."

The Saracini Aviation Safety Act was introduced in the 113th Congress and garnered widespread bipartisan support, including 71 co-sponsors in the House and Senate. The bill is endorsed by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA), the Coalition of Airline Pilots Association (CAPA), the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), NY / NJ Port Authority, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) and 9/11 Families.

Source