A group of 133 House members has called for the Transportation Security Administration to reverse its measure to allow small knives aboard airplanes, reports
The Hill.
The House members signed a letter addressed to John Pistole, head of the TSA, citing the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks as reason why he should reevaluate the agency’s decision.
Pistole previously said that TSA would allow blades shorter than 2.36 inches to be carried on planes.
The knives, previously on the list of items passengers are prohibited from carrying through airport security checkpoints, will now be allowed onto airplanes for the first time since Sept. 11, if the reversal goes into effect on April 25.
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“On September 11, 2001, hijackers on board United 93, United 175, American 77, and American 11 took over these planes using mace, box cutters and knives to attack passengers and crew," the lawmakers wrote in the letter.
“After these deadly terrorist attacks of 9/11, all knives and dangerous sporting equipment, like pool cues, were placed on a list of prohibited items and banned from planes," the lawmakers continued. "Congress acted swiftly to ensure that TSA was afforded the resources and authority to ensure a secure aviation system for the American flying public. We strongly believe that the prohibition of dangerous items is an integral layer in the safety of our aviation system."
TSA has yet to reverse its decision, despite increased pressure from lawmakers.
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