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
Sunday, March 15, 2026
On Saturday, March 14th, the Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die from the 2026 legislative session, and the future of the Commonwealth hangs in the balance.
Monday, March 16, 2026
This month, Michigan’s judicial branch published the 2025 edition of its annual report on the state’s Extreme Risk Protection Order Act (red flag gun confiscation order statute).
Friday, March 20, 2026
The saga of ATF’s enforcement of the National Firearm Act’s “short barreled rifle” provisions against braced pistols has been a roller coaster ride of shifting interpretations. NRA-ILA has been keeping up with, reporting on, and ...
Monday, March 16, 2026
More proof (as if any was needed) has emerged that the Canadian gun ban and confiscation is a massive administrative, practical and economic debacle.
Monday, March 9, 2026
Yet another piece of anti-gun legislation has made it out of the General Assembly and is on its way to Governor Spanberger.
More Like This From Around The NRA
