Senate OKs Young’s bill to expedite travel screenings for disabled veterans

The U.S. Senate on June 16 gave unanimous consent to a bipartisan bill authored by U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) that would offer the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program to disabled United States military veterans. 

“I’m glad our bill finally passed the Senate, and I urge the House to pass it quickly,” said Sen. Young.

The Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act, S. 2280, which Sen. Young sponsored in June 2021 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), would permit TSA PreCheck to be provided to veterans who are amputees, paralyzed or blind. The free program is already offered to active duty, reserves and National Guard service members, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“The VETS Safe Travel Act was written for veterans with disabilities who dread the airport because of the indignities they will endure at security checkpoints,” Sen. Young said. “This bill will help veterans travel easier by providing them with Pre√® benefits.”

Under S. 2280, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also would be required to conduct outreach to ensure that eligible veterans are aware of the potential benefit before they travel, the summary says.

“I’m proud the Senate passed this bipartisan legislation to make TSA PreCheck available at no cost to these veterans and make flying and passing through airports a little easier and less intrusive,” Sen. Duckworth said. “I hope we can get it to President Biden’s desk soon.”

The legislation is supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Honor Flight Network, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, VetsFirst, and the American Legion.