I recall that Norman Minetta (whom I call Nitwit Norm), then Secretary of Transportation, resisted implementing arming the pilots for months and that George W Bush failed to push the issue with him.
Bush’s keeping Minetta on as Sec’y of DOT was the first of many disappointments that “W” made during his days as POTUS. A likable fellow, his claim to fame is that he prevented Al Gore and John ‘Effen Kerry out of the White hut. At least that’s something.
Would you storm a cockpit knowing that one or both of the pilots will shoot you dead in the doorway?
The program works.