SC New York News

On the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) hosted a press conference in Washington, D.C. to formally launch the Aviation Safety Caucus. The caucus aims to foster bipartisan collaboration on legislative solutions to maintain high safety standards and address new security challenges in aviation. Co-chairs include retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General and former airline pilot Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01), and Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), along with 23 additional caucus members.

“I am proud to announce the formation of the bipartisan Aviation Safety Caucus,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “This caucus is dedicated to strengthening aviation safety and security by collaborating on real legislative solutions — the safety of our skies is not a partisan issue. Our first priority is ensuring that we close existing security gaps with the Safer Skies Act, building on the hard-won reforms enacted after 9/11, and we will continue to work to protect the millions of Americans who rely on our aviation system every day."

The press conference emphasized the Safer Skies Act, introduced by Congressman Langworthy in August, which aims to close loopholes allowing ticketed charter flights (Part 135 and Part 380 operators) to bypass post-9/11 security screening standards.

Congressman Langworthy was joined at the event by fellow caucus member Congressman Anthony D’Esposito; Capt. Steve Jangelis of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA); Capt. Casey A. Murray of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA); First Officer Bryan Lingle of the Allied Pilots Association (APA); and Stephen Schembs of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).

“We are grateful to Representative Langworthy for being a true champion and staunch advocate for aviation safety,” said Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “ALPA is proud to partner with Representative Langworthy and the Aviation Safety Caucus as we work to build on the safest period in aviation history.”

“Gaming the system to get a competitive leg up by putting all of us at risk can’t fly! We applaud Representative Langworthy for taking action,” stated Sara Nelson, President of AFA-CWA. “The irony should be lost on no one that if you have money, rules don’t apply to you. This is about crew and passenger safety and national security.”

“On this day 23 years ago, our industry, and our nation were forever changed," said Captain Murray, President of SWAPA. "Today I am honored to join Congressman Nick Langworthy, Congressman Jack Bergman, fellow union leaders, and other aviation representatives in reinforcing our commitment to continued bipartisan collaboration."

Julie Hedrick, National President of APFA added: “Allowing scheduled public charter flights under less restrictive protocols leaves our air transportation system vulnerable. There should be no distinction between charter and commercial passengers' security screening; all passengers should meet high-security standards."