Washington: A legislation has been moved in the US Congress by two influential Senators to block the federal government`s decision to allow passengers to carry small knives into airplanes, saying it would make airplane travel unsafe.
The new rule announced by Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) - the federal agency responsible for airport security - would come into effect in April 25. After 9/11, the TSA had prohibited carrying of small knives inside the plane.
"We can`t simply sit on our hands and allow TSA to enact this foolhardy plan to let knives back onto airplanes. This legislation would undo dangerous policy that puts passengers and crew at risk," New York Senator Charles Schumer said.
"It`s a common-sense proposal that members of both parties can support.
Knives are every bit as dangerous today as they were on September 11th, and they should continue to be kept off of passenger planes," said Schumer who along with Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced an amendment to the Senate budget resolution that would prohibit TSA from allowing airline passengers to carry small knives onto airplanes.
TSA Administrator John Pistole recently announced that the agency would allow small knives and blades to be carried onboard airplanes.
The rule includes small knives with non-locking blades smaller than 2.36 inches and less than 1/2 inch in width.
PTI
