[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 157 (Thursday, December 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SECURING AIRCRAFT COCKPITS AGAINST LASERS ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2005

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 
legislation before us, H.R. 1400, the Securing Aircraft Cockpits 
Against Lasers Act of 2005. I thank the distinguished chairman from 
Wisconsin, Mr. Sensenbrenner for his thoughtful inclusion of a 
definition of the term ``laser pointer'' at my suggestion. This 
bipartisan gesture is very important to the crafting of comprehensive 
and conscientious criminal measures.
  I kept my strict constitutionalist hat on and remained mindful to the 
fact that legislation should be as narrowly tailored as possible--
especially with respect to exacting criminal penalties.
  I understand that since 1990, there have been more than 400 incidents 
proscribed in this bill and more than 100 since November 2004. 
Furthermore, I understand the relative threat that the act proscribed 
in this bill poses for pilots--FAA research has shown that laser 
illuminations can temporarily disorient or disable a pilot during 
critical stages of flight such as landing or take-off, and in some 
cases, may cause permanent damage. This legislation could provide the 
legislative fix. I thank the chairman for his effort to address my 
concern with potential vagueness in its provisions.
  Mr. Speaker, for the above reasons, I do support this legislation.

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