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, June 29, 2026
Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ), continues to play offense when it comes to the Trump administration defending the Second Amendment.
Monday, June 29, 2026
A recent court decision adds Florida to the list of some 14 constitutional (“permitless”) carry states in which adults under the age of 21 may legally carry firearms.
Monday, June 29, 2026
In a major victory for the right to keep and bear arms, the Washington Circuit Court today granted a statewide preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of Virginia’s newly enacted “assault firearm” and magazine bans, finding that ...
Monday, June 29, 2026
During remarks to American workers at a Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa. on June 23, President Donald Trump reiterated his support for National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity and NRA.
Monday, June 29, 2026
According to a recent editorial by an anti-gun spokesman, Florida’s version of a “red flag” law—also known as an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law—is a “success” simply because it is being used.
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