Congressman Al Green Proposes Deterrence to In-Flight Disruptions, Cites Dr. King’s Words as Inspiration

(Houston, TX) – On Monday, January 18, 2021, Congressman Al Green held a press conference to propose a deterrence to in-flight disruptions on airplanes, ahead of the inauguration.

Congressman Al Green stated, “Our outgoing president has used shameful rhetoric that has brought harm to our country. His incitement peaked on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, and continued in the days that followed as Members of Congress – including myself – left Washington, DC, enduring harassment and heckling on flights and in airports.”

“While I am greatly concerned for our safety and security as holders of public trust, I am even more concerned for the flying public who could get caught in the crosshairs or could themselves become the targets of this antagonization. This is why I and my colleagues – Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson, Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez, Representatives Andre Carson, Steve Cohen, Dwight Evans, Alcee L. Hastings, Jahana Hayes, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, Donald M. Payne, Jr., Albio Sires, and Haley M. Stevens – are sending a letter to the TSA Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, Acting DHS Secretary, and Acting Transportation Secretary. We are requesting that, at the time of boarding as well as prior to take-off, the penalty for in-flight disruption be announced to deter any eruption of violence or chaos. Per FAA, the penalty includes fines of up to $35,000 and possible imprisonment.”

Congressman Green added, “Creating a disruption on an airplane that adversely impacts the flight can be worse than shouting ‘fire’ in a crowded theater because there is no immediate, safe exit available. If at no other time than while 35,000 feet in the air, going 500 mph, we must heed the warning of Dr. King: ‘We must learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or perish together as fools.’ We cannot allow our differences to destroy us.”