Federal agency considers guns in cockpit

TSA spokeswoman says decision is 'expected shortly'

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) is considering allowing a small number of commercial pilots to carry guns in the cockpit, a move which would mark a reversal by the White House, which has previously opposed arming pilots.

Adm. James Loy, head of the Transportation Security Agency, asked his staff for a range of options concerning the issue of arming pilots. He received a list of options, but no decisions have been made, agency spokeswoman Heather Rosenker told CNN.

Rosenker said a decision is "expected shortly."

One of the options being considered is backing a small-scale trial program to arm a small number of commercial pilots, according to administration officials, who did not want to be identified.

The House of Representatives passed a measure in July to allow any commercial pilot who wanted to carry a weapon to do so in the cockpit.

The Bush administration opposed the House legislation because it would not provide any funding to train pilots who chose to carry weapons and because of the liability issues raised by having armed pilots on planes.