[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
FEDERAL FLIGHT DECK OFFICER
PROGRAM VOLUNTEER PILOTS--RECOGNITION
NOTE: Dec. 22, 2005 -  [H.Con.Res.196]
Whereas after the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress enacted
legislation authorizing volunteer pilots of United States commercial
air carriers who participate in the Federal flight deck officer
program to use lethal force to defend the flight deck of an aircraft
against acts of terrorism;

Whereas a volunteer pilot in the Federal flight deck officer program
must undergo rigorous psychological screening and a background
investigation, as well as complete an intense training curriculum;

Whereas volunteer pilots in the Federal flight deck officer program
provide a significant deterrent against potential acts of violence
or terrorism in United States airspace, are an essential layer

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of security for the Nation's flying public, and are a key factor in
restoring confidence in the Nation's air transportation system;

Whereas volunteer pilots in the Federal flight deck officer program
devote personal time and finances to maintain a high standard of
proficiency in the use of firearms and techniques for addressing
emergencies in flight; and

Whereas volunteer pilots in the Federal flight deck officer program, at
great personal risk and with no compensation or recognition, are
dedicated to the protection of the flight deck, thereby providing an
additional layer of protection to the aircraft, passengers, and
cargo from acts of terrorism, such as the possible use of the
aircraft as a weapon of mass destruction against people on the
ground: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That Congress--
(1) recognizes that volunteer pilots in the Federal flight
deck officer program are the consummate quiet professionals and
embody what is best in our national character;
(2) applauds volunteer pilots in the Federal flight deck
officer program for taking a stand against those who would seek
to harm the United States through acts of terrorism in the air;
and
(3) expresses appreciation to volunteer pilots in the
Federal flight deck officer program on behalf of all citizens of
the United States for the ongoing contribution of these pilots
to the security of the Nation and its air transportation system.

Agreed to December 22, 2005.