Congressman Nick Langworthy Hosts Press Conference to Launch the Bipartisan Aviation Safety Caucus; Key Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the 23^rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) hosted a press conference to formally launch the Aviation Safety Caucus, which aims to reach across the aisle to work on legislative solutions to maintain America’s high safety standards and respond to new security challenges. He is joined by co-chairs retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General and former airline pilot, Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01), and Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), as well as 23 additional caucus members.

“I am proud to announce the formation of the bipartisan Aviation Safety Caucus hardworking group of my colleagues,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “This caucus is dedicated to strengthening aviation safety and security by collaborating on real legislative solutions — the safety of our skies is not a partisan issue. Our first priority is ensuring that we close existing security gaps with the Safer Skies Act, building on the hard-won reforms enacted after 9/11, and we will continue to work to protect the millions of Americans who rely on our aviation system every day."

Watch the press conference here

List of caucus members here 

The press conference highlighted the Safer Skies Act, introduced by Congressman Nick Langworthy in August, to close loopholes that currently allow ticketed charter flights (Part 135 and Part 380 operators) to skirt post-9/11 security screening standards.

Congressman Langworthy was also joined at the press conference by caucus member Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, as well as Capt. Steve Jangelis of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), Capt. Casey A. Murray of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), First Officer Bryan Lingle of the Allied Pilots Association (APA), and Stephen Schembs of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA).

“We are grateful to Representative Langworthy for being a true champion and staunch advocate for aviation safety. His leadership in standing up the Aviation Safety Caucus will help ensure that the United States continues to be the Gold Standard when it comes to aviation safety,” said Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “ALPA is proud to partner with Representative Langworthy and the Aviation Safety Caucus as we work to build on the safest period in aviation history.”

“Gaming the system to get a competitive leg up by putting all of us at risk can’t fly! We applaud Representative Langworthy for taking action to stop outrageous attempts to skirt safety and security requirements that were put in place following September 11th. Never again,” stated Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, representing 55,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines. “The irony should be lost on no one that the new business model is grounded in the idea that if you have money, the rules don’t apply to you. This is about crew and passenger safety and the security of the entire country.”

“On this day 23 years ago, our industry, and our nation, were forever changed," said Captain Murray, President of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association. "Today, I am honored to join Congressman Nick Langworthy, Congressman Jack Bergman, fellow union leaders, and other aviation representatives to reinforce our commitment to continued bipartisan collaboration on legislation and solutions to keep the flying public safe. I can't think of a better way to honor those who lost their lives 23 years ago than participating in important events such as this to ensure that tragedies like 9/11 never happen again."

“Allowing scheduled public charter flights to operate under less restrictive safety and security protocols is a risk that leaves our air transportation system vulnerable. There should be no distinction between charter and commercial passengers' security screening; all passengers and their baggage should be subject to the highest security standards. APFA fully supports the closure of the public charter loophole to guarantee the highest level of safety for passengers and flight crews,” said Julie Hedrick, National President of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA).