[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 126 (Tuesday, September 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE SAFE SKIES ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2001

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, by now we are all aware of the events that 
took place on September 11th and the many actions that took place 
before the tragedy. One circumstance that I found troubling was many of 
the terrorists at the controls of the commercial airliners used in the 
attacks received training in our own flight training schools.
  The United States attracts men and women from throughout the world 
looking to acquire the skills needed to pilot an aircraft. There are 
several factors that make the United States an ideal place to receive 
flight training: it is inexpensive to rent aircraft, fuel is reasonably 
priced, landing fees are nonexistent, and it is quick and easy to be 
accepted for flight training.
  We have now witnessed firsthand the destruction that can be wrought 
when the skills acquired in our flight training schools are used for 
evil purposes. Currently, The Federal Aviation Administration does not 
require a background check of any type for individuals seeking civilian 
instruction to fly an airplane or helicopter in our nations' skies.
  In order to close this loophole, I have introduced the Safe Skies Act 
of 2001, which will require background checks of all those seeking 
civilian instruction to fly airplanes or helicopters. It is my hope 
that we can stop international and domestic terrorist groups from using 
innocent and necessary skills for purposes other than innocence and 
necessity. Mr. Speaker, I realize not all terrorist organizations are 
those that infiltrate our borders from the outside, but also threaten 
us domestically. For that reason, we must ensure that the best 
information from the FBI and CIA is used to comb all civilian aviation 
applicants' history for criminal activity, espionage, or links to 
terrorist organizations.
  The skies over this great land belong to its hard-working, law-
abiding citizens. Let's help ensure that it stays in their hands.

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