WASHINGTON, DC-  Representative Edward Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY) today introduced the “Leave All Blades Behind Act” to prevent the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from lifting a ban on razor-sharp scissors and other weapon-usable objects in the passenger cabins of commercial airliners.  The TSA ban was put in effect after the 9/11 hijackers used boxcutters to launch their deadly attack.
 

“TSA should not be making it easier for the next Mohammed Atta to terrorize passengers at 30,000 feet,” Rep. Markey said.  “The flight attendants, air marshals and families of 9/11 victims support keeping the ban in place.  The Bush Administration should listen to them – they know, from first-hand experience, the devastation that sharp objects such as metal scissors can cause in the hands of a suicidal terrorist,” Rep. Markey added.

“Today Rep. Crowley and I will introduce the “Leave All Blades Behind Act.”  Our bill would reverse TSA’s risky, misguided decision to permit razor-sharp scissors and other tools back in the passenger cabin, which could easily be wielded as a deadly weapon by a terrorist.  Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) will introduce and Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) will co-sponsor companion Senate legislation.  The Republican-controlled Congress should schedule a vote on our bill before Congress adjourns later this month. 

A copy of the bill is available at www.house.gov/markey.

Bill Text, December 6, 2005  iss_airlinesecurity_bill051206.pdf (39.87 KB)