On Monday, President Bush (R) signed into law the Homeland Security of Act of 2002, marking the most extensive federal re-organization since the creation of the Defense Department in 1947. Office of Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge was named the new secretary-designate of the new Department of Homeland Security. This historic event helped establish one of NRA’s top priorities for the year—as language that would allow qualified commercial pilots to have access to firearms as a last line of defense against terrorist hijackers was included. Under the new law, training is set to begin by the end of February 2003 through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA will train pilots as "federal flight deck officers," which will include training equivalent to federal agents. The new law will also provide the approved pilots with the power to make arrests. Our thanks go out to all of our members who contacted their lawmakers and urged them to ensure the legislation that established the new Homeland Security Department included language that would establish an armed pilots program.
Bush Signs Homeland Security Bill — Includes Armed Pilots Program
Monday, December 2, 2002
Monday, February 2, 2026
Astute Virginia gun owners anticipated terrible gun control legislation from the 2026 General Assembly. Still, some may be shocked to learn that anti-rights zealots in the Virginia Senate have advanced a bill to CONFISCATE standard capacity firearm ...
Monday, February 2, 2026
One bill has stood above the rest for decades as NRA-ILA’s top federal priority, and the New York City Metro area has once again shown why.
Monday, February 2, 2026
The United States Supreme Court has barely finished hearing oral arguments in Wolford v. Lopez, the Hawaii “vampire rule” litigation, and already Aloha State lawmakers have been panicked into an attempt at a preemptive legislative workaround. ...
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
On Monday, January 26th, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee advanced a slate of gun control bills targeting semi-automatic firearms, standard capacity magazines, carry rights, home storage, and more.
Friday, January 30, 2026
Today, the National Rifle Association, along with the Independence Institute and FPC Action Foundation, filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the federal prohibition on firearm possession by marijuana users.
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