[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 31 (Thursday, March 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E358-E359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCTION OF FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL LEGISLATION

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                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2004

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to 
allow the Federal Air Marshal Service to offer their specialized 
training services to foreign law enforcement personnel.
  Last December, in the wake of perceived threats to certain flights 
from foreign countries, the Department of Homeland Security placed

[[Page E359]]

a requirement on foreign airlines to carry armed law enforcement 
personnel on flights into or over the United States determined by U.S. 
intelligence to be a threat or suspected threat.
  With this important directive in mind, my legislation would allow the 
Federal Air Marshal Service to offer their specialized training to 
foreign law enforcement personnel. The legislation would also require 
the sponsoring foreign country to reimburse the Service for the cost of 
training.
  The Air Marshal training facility located in Pomona, NJ, is unique. 
It is the world premiere facility for the very specialized on-board 
aircraft law enforcement training. The training they receive there is 
far more sophisticated than just airborne firearm proficiency and hand 
to hand combat. Air Marshals are also trained to help out in any 
airborne emergency situation, including evacuating passengers and 
flying a pilotless plane. The facility does a tremendous job teaching 
students to safely and efficiently eliminate a terrorist threat under 
very confined and crowded conditions all while traveling at over 30,000 
feet in the air.
  My legislation will allow students from across the globe access to 
the intense training regime available only at the Pomona facility and 
better equip America's allies to help us fight the War on Terror.

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