Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young, Tammy Duckworth, Roger Marshall, and Maggie Hassan have announced the Senate's approval of a bill aimed at extending TSA PreCheck benefits to veterans with service-connected disabilities. The legislation, known as the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act, had previously passed in the House of Representatives by unanimous consent and now awaits the President's signature.

Currently, TSA PreCheck is available to active duty military personnel at no cost. This new bill seeks to extend these benefits to veterans who are amputees, paralyzed, or blind. Navigating airport security can be challenging for these individuals due to prosthetics or mobility aids.

Senator Young highlighted the importance of this measure by stating, "Airports can be a dreaded experience for veterans with service-connected disabilities because of the invasive screenings they may endure at security checkpoints. Once it becomes law, this bill will provide dignified travel to thousands of wounded warriors by ensuring PreCheck benefits are easily available to them."

Senator Duckworth emphasized the need for such legislation: “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 the Senate's bipartisan support and urged swift action from President Biden.

Senator Marshall noted that easing airport security processes is a meaningful way to honor veterans' sacrifices: “Ensuring wounded veterans have little difficulty getting through airport security is a simple but impactful way to honor these heroes' sacrifices for our country.”

Senator Hassan added that disabled veterans should not face additional obstacles at airports: “For veterans who have already overcome extraordinary challenges in service to our country, navigating airport security should not be another hurdle.”

The VETS Safe Travel Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to certify eligible veterans. Upon successful certification and background check completion by TSA, these individuals would receive free access to TSA PreCheck. The legislation also advises using TSA Cares hotline 72 hours before departure for expedited screening.

Supporters of this bill include organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled American Veterans.