House Passes Gabbard Bill to Support Wounded Warriors
(WASHINGTON) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously (413-0) passed the bipartisan Helping Heroes Fly Act (H.R. 1344), sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI). This measure will improve airport security screening for wounded and severely disabled service members and veterans by ensuring personal privacy and consistent application of efficient screening procedures.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the legislation:
"For our wounded warriors and their families, airline travel will now be a much more dignified experience. Due to the nature of their injuries and disabilities, removing a belt, shoe or jacket can be more than just an inconvenience. These selfless heroes should never have to face lengthy, invasive, and even humiliating screening procedures at our airports. The Helping Heroes Fly Act is a strong step toward ensuring they do not face unnecessary hardships after having served our country with courage and dignity. I will push for the bill to be considered and passed in the U.S. Senate and signed by the president into law."
Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, added the following:
"I would like to commend Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for introducing this thoughtful, bipartisan legislation. The Helping Heroes Fly Act will improve the screening experience for our injured and disabled veterans by requiring TSA to facilitate the ease of travel and provide expedited screening to these brave men and women. Passage of this legislation is the right thing to do to for those who sacrificed and were injured while serving our nation."
After hearing from advocates of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard found that the Transportation Security Administration's current "Wounded Warrior Screening Program" needed to be improved. The legislation is supported by many stakeholders in the veterans community and the airline industry, including the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, the American Federation of Government Employees, and the Air Line Pilots Association.
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Media Contact:
(Gabbard) Heather Fluit at (202) 738-0126
(Thompson) (202) 225-9978
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