“The safety of the American people must come first,” following Bomb Scare on Southwest Flight
From the Office of Congressman Langworthy,
Congressman Nick Langworthy today called on the United States Senate to immediately pass legislation to reopen and fully fund the Department of Homeland Security following a reported bomb threat that forced a Southwest Airlines flight to make an emergency diversion on Friday night.
Southwest Airlines Flight 2094, traveling from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale, was diverted to Atlanta after a security threat was reported onboard. Law enforcement officers boarded the aircraft upon landing and removed a passenger while frightened passengers were instructed to keep their hands raised during the incident. Federal authorities, including the FBI, are now investigating.
“This incident is a powerful reminder that the threats facing our nation are real and require constant vigilance,” Congressman Langworthy said. “Every day, the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security work to protect our airports, our borders, and our communities from dangerous threats.”
Rep. Langworthy noted that the House of Representatives has already passed legislation to fund DHS and ensure agencies like the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, and the Secret Service have the resources they need to keep Americans safe.
“While TSA officers and other frontline personnel continue to show up and do their jobs under incredibly difficult circumstances, the Senate’s failure to act is unacceptable. National security should never be used as a political bargaining chip.”
Congressman Langworthy urged the Senate to take immediate action to pass the House bill and fully reopen DHS.
He concluded, “The safety of the American people must come first. The Senate should pass the House bill today and ensure the Department of Homeland Security has the funding and support it needs to protect our country.”
