Legislation introduced on Monday by U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI) would give state-level National Guard commanders the authority to approve military flyovers.
The Sound of Freedom Act, H.R. 4492, would allow National Guard commanders to approve military flyovers that come at no additional cost to taxpayers. To accomplish that, military flyovers are incorporated into existing training missions for pilots.
“One of the coolest parts of going to a football game — other than the game — is to see those jets approaching the stadium and hear tens of thousands of fans erupt into cheers,” Duffy said. “These flyovers are a great symbol of our country’s military strength and give fans, and the entire country, an opportunity to show our extreme gratitude to the men and women who have raised their hands to serve and protect our freedom. However, I have noticed that the flyovers have become less frequent and I wanted to figure out why.”
Duffy said he learned that military flyovers have been tripped up by “bureaucratic red tape” that makes it difficult for flyovers to be approved by federal officials in Washington, D.C.
“This would be a big win in the constant battle against big government bureaucracy and would also be a win for American patriotism and those of us who look for any opportunity to show our support for the men and women who serve this great nation,” Duffy said.