Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after introducing the bipartisan Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act. This legislation would provide expedited security screening under the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck® program to severely injured or disabled veterans.

Supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans & The Honor Flight Network

“The bravery and sacrifice of our veterans reminds us that freedom is never truly free. My gratitude for their service to our country cannot be fully expressed by words alone. To protect my most patriotic constituents from harassment and fees while traveling to war memorials, today I reintroduced the VETS Safe Travel Act, which would provide TSA PreCheck free of charge to disabled veterans. I hope that this bipartisan legislation can eliminate many of the challenges disabled veterans face when traveling through our nation’s airports. No American veteran, particularly disabled veterans, should be hassled while traveling this free country,” said Congressman Paul Gosar.

“Wounded Warrior Project believes that if enacted, the VETS Safe Travel Act will provide many severely injured and disabled veterans a more dignified experience when passing through airport security,” stated the Wounded Warrior Project.

“Navigating the air travel process is already difficult enough for catastrophically disabled veterans. The VETS Safe Travel Act would provide a great benefit to Paralyzed Veterans of America members by significantly improving their airport security screening experience,” stated Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“As many of our members have attested through the years, navigating airport security can be an extraordinary challenge for veterans with prosthetics or mobility devices. DAV enthusiastically supports the VETS Safe Travel Act and hopes to see it passed and signed into law to help make air travel easier and less stressful for our nation’s severely injured veterans. We appreciate the leadership of Rep. Gosar for introducing this important legislation,” stated Disabled American Veterans.

Original Cosponsors (24): Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26); Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05); Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11); Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05); Rep. Greg Steube (FL-17); Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01); Rep. Michael Waltz (FL-06); Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05); Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large); Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-At Large); Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01); Rep. Jerry Carl (AL-01); Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06); Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05); Rep. Fred Keller (PA-12); Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-01); Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46); Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01); Rep. Conor Lamb (PA-17); Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06); Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08); Rep. Michael San Nicolas (Guam-At Large); Rep. Greg Pence (IN-06); Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08)

Background:

There are approximately 70,000 veterans with an amputation and over 130,000 veterans who are legally blind in the United States. When many travel through airport security with their wheelchair, prosthetics, or other assistive devices, it can be challenging. Under this legislation, the Department of Veterans Affairs would certify that a veteran is severely injured and therefore eligible to apply for TSA PreCheck® free of charge. TSA would process the veteran’s application, granting access to TSA PreCheck® provided they successfully pass the background check and interview process. This benefit is similar to what is already offered to Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard servicemembers.