In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, various proposals have been offered to deal with airline security. One proposal, sponsored by U.S. Senators Bob Smith (R-N.H.) and Conrad Burns (R-Mont.), addresses air safety by allowing properly trained commercial pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers to carry firearms aboard commercial airplanes. Along with the possibility of U.S. Air Marshals accompanying commercial flights, this measure would allow armed pilots, with proper training and suitable equipment, to be the last line of defense against hijackers and terrorists in providing cockpit and aircraft security, thus sending a strong message to potential attackers that self-defense exists in the air as well as on our land. Be sure to call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, and urge them to support the Smith/Burns amendment to S. 1447, the "Aviation Security Act." You can also find contact information for your U.S. Senators by using NRAILA.org`s "Write Your Reps" tool.
Support the Smith/Burns Amendment
Friday, October 5, 2001
Monday, March 23, 2026
Today, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California granted a stipulation for final judgment and permanent injunction in Safari Club International v. Bonta, under which the state conceded that its firearm advertising restriction is unconstitutional ...
Friday, March 20, 2026
The saga of ATF’s enforcement of the National Firearm Act’s “short barreled rifle” provisions against braced pistols has been a roller coaster ride of shifting interpretations. NRA-ILA has been keeping up with, reporting on, and ...
Sunday, March 15, 2026
On Saturday, March 14th, the Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die from the 2026 legislative session, and the future of the Commonwealth hangs in the balance.
Monday, March 23, 2026
Anti-gun lawmakers in Virginia’s General Assembly recently earned well-deserved scorn by trying to create a special carveout for themselves in one of their numerous gun control bills.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
The Washington legislature adjourned sine die from the 2026 legislative session on March 12.
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