Fitzpatrick and bipartisan lawmakers introduce Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01), along with Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Chris Smith (R-NJ), André Carson (D-IN), Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), and Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) introduced the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act (H.R. 911).

The legislation would mandate the installation of secondary cockpit barriers in commercial passenger aircraft in order to protect American citizens from potential terrorist attacks similar to 9/11. Under the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act, airlines would be required to install wire-mesh gates – that are inexpensive and lightweight – on all aircraft between the passenger cabin and cockpit door, blocking access to the flight deck while in the air.

The legislation honors Capt. Victor J. Saracini, who lost his life after his plane was hijacked and flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Saracini’s widow, Ellen, has become a national advocate for aviation safety. The legislation is endorsed by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) is leading the Senate companion to be introduced at a later date.

“Over two decades have passed since radical terrorists hijacked my husband’s airplane on our own soil, and our nation’s aircraft are still not equipped to adequately respond to the exact same attack that happened on September 11th,” said Saracini. “I am committed to ensuring that secondary cockpit barriers are included on all commercial aircraft, and I’m grateful to this group of bipartisan lawmakers for introducing this legislation. We must secure our skies and protect passengers, flight crews, and potential targets from the threat of any future breach.”

“Securing the safety of our nation’s aviation is critical to keeping our nation safe. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Congress has made great progress on aircraft safety, and this bipartisan legislation is essential to ensure passenger safety in the air and that passengers and pilots are protected against terrorist hijackers,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’m grateful to stand with my constituent, Ellen Saracini, to honor her late husband, and I appreciate the support of my colleagues. Together, we must do everything in our power to ensure that the horrific events of 9/11 are never able to happen again.”

“ALPA has long supported the use of secondary barriers to preserve the integrity of the flight deck and keep crews and passengers safe,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “We are grateful to Reps. Fitzpatrick, Carson, Smith, Gottheimer, Kean, and Lynch for their leadership and for honoring Capt. Saracini’s memory by ensuring that these cost-effective security devices are installed on all passenger aircraft.”

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