WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), and John Garamendi (D-CA-08) introduced the Airline Employee Assault Prevention Act. This bipartisan legislation would protect passengers and land-side airline employees such as ticket agents and airport workers by fixing a jurisdictional issue that prevents the FAA from implementing plans that would provide assault protections.

“Assault and harassment should not be an occupational hazard for any worker,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “That is especially true for employees at our airports from the flight crews who are responsible for ensuring millions of passengers safely reach their destinations every day to the ticket agents who provide invaluable customer services. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will make sure these essential workers are protected and, in doing so, will create a safer and more enjoyable flying experience for everyone.”

“Unruly or violent airport passengers pose a clear public safety threat, something that simply cannot be permitted,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino. “Just as there are penalties for assaulting airline staff on an airplane, this bill would expand assault prevention measures to include all passenger service agents. I thank Congressman Menendez for his leadership on this issue and I am proud to join him as co-lead of this...