Congressman Nick Langworthy Introduces Bipartisan Safer Skies Act to Close Loopholes in Airport Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy introduced the bipartisan Safer Skies Act, aimed at closing critical security loopholes in airport security. The bill, co-led by Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), seeks to enhance safety standards for certain air operators that currently operate without the rigorous screening requirements of commercial airlines.

“Due to the reforms following the September 11th attacks, Americans have come to expect a high level of safety and security when they board a plane on American soil,” said Congressman Langworthy. “As the chair of the Aviation Safety Caucus, I’ve worked closely with partners and experts in the federal government and aviation industry to identify existing security gaps and maintain our high safety standards. The Safer Skies Act will close a loophole that has allowed certain operators, like ticketed charter flights, to bypass the rigorous screening requirements that ensure the safety of all passengers. It is vital for protecting our skies and the lives of passengers and crew alike.”

“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) safeguards America's aviation system every day. The agency's mission is critical, and there is no room for error," said Congressman Veasey. "As I have previously mentioned, I am troubled that a growing number of public charter flight operators are trying to skirt TSA’s security standards. That is why I am proud to join the bipartisan Safer Skies Act with Rep. Langworthy that underscores strong security standards and will hold those accountable who do not abide by those standards.”

Specifically, the Safer Skies Act would:

• Require the TSA to update its security screening requirements for Part 135 and Part 380 operators that offer individual seats in advance, provide publicly available schedules, and operate passenger seat configurations of more than nine seats.
• Ensure that these operators are held to the same security standards as any other scheduled commercial airline.

Other co-sponsors of this legislation include Reps. Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05).

This legislation has also received support from the Airline Pilots Association, Intl., Allied Pilots Association, National Air Carrier Association, Association of Professional Flight Attendants, Association of Flight Attendants, Air Line Pilots Association, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, Transport Workers Union, and the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots.

“Airline passengers should be able to board a plane and trust that they have the same level of safety and security whether they are flying into a big city or a small town. Loopholes, and the abuse of current rules and regulations, undermine a system that has made U.S. commercial aviation the safest in the world,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, President of the Air Line Pilots Association.

“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.”

Read the full text of the bill here.