Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young, Tammy Duckworth, Roger Marshall, and Maggie Hassan have reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at extending TSA PreCheck benefits to veterans with service-connected disabilities. This initiative seeks to ease the airport security process for veterans who are amputees, paralyzed, or blind.

Currently, TSA PreCheck is available at no cost to active duty members of the military, including reserves and National Guard. The proposed Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act would expand this benefit to include disabled veterans. The goal is to alleviate challenges faced by these individuals when passing through airport security with prosthetics or mobility aids.

Senator Young highlighted the difficulties that veterans with disabilities face during airport screenings: “Airports can be a dreaded experience for veterans with service-connected disabilities because of the invasive screenings they may endure at security checkpoints. Our bill will bring dignified travel to thousands of wounded warriors by ensuring PreCheck benefits are easily available to them.”

Senator Duckworth echoed this sentiment: “Millions of Veterans have sacrificed a great deal in service to our nation and returned home with service-connected disabilities—for those of us who rely on prosthetics and wheelchairs for mobility, air travel and passing through airport security can be a challenge.” She expressed pride in joining Senator Young in reintroducing the legislation.

Senator Marshall emphasized respect for wounded veterans: “Our wounded veterans deserve a TSA security process that respects their sacrifices and minimizes unnecessary stress at checkpoints. Offering free PreCheck to wounded veterans is a small but meaningful way to honor their service and make their travel experiences easier.”

Senator Hassan added her support: “For veterans who have already overcome extraordinary challenges in service to our country, navigating airport security should not be another hurdle. This bipartisan legislation recognizes the unique challenges that many disabled veterans face and helps to better ensure that their travel experience reflects the dignity of their service.”

The VETS Safe Travel Act requires certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs confirming eligibility before TSA processes applications for free PreCheck access. Eligible veterans must pass a background check and interview process. Additionally, TSA recommends using its Cares hotline 72 hours before departure for expedited screening.

The legislation has garnered support from organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Honor Flight Network, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, Blinded Veterans Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.