HOUSTON – Congressman Al Green held a press conference on Monday to propose a deterrence to in-flight disruptions on airplanes, ahead of the inauguration.
Green said he and 13 of his colleagues sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Transportation, asking that people to be notified ahead of flights of the penalty for creating a disturbance in-flight. Green said people need to know penalties exist -- a fine of up to $35,000 and possible prison time -- and that they will be adhered to in order to make people consider their actions before creating a disturbance.
Green recalled a harrowing personal experience on a commercial flight to Nashville, Tenn., in which he was called “Mr. Impeachment” by Trump supporters and remarks were made that “something was going to happen” on that flight. Green said he was concerned that his head was exposed and he couldn’t look backward on the plane. Green said his identity was passed around the plane and he, in fear for himself during that flight, asked the crew for an escort when he got off the flight -- a fact that he pointed out might not be available for someone not in the public eye.
Green has led efforts to impeach President Donald Trump in recent years.
He said on a plane people are in it together and that the situation can be more dangerous than screaming fire in a theater because there’s no immediate safe exit and you’re locked in it together.
Green said he wants to “send a clear and concise message” on this matter.
The full news conference -- including Green’s recollection of his frightening plane experience -- will be posted shortly in the video player at the top of this article.