# VETS Safe Travel Act: What It Does

This bill makes it easier for severely injured or disabled veterans to get through airport security by giving them free access to TSA PreCheck, a program that speeds up the screening process. Normally, PreCheck costs money and requires an application, but this bill waives both the fee and some of the application requirements for veterans who meet specific criteria.

The bill targets veterans who have experienced serious service-related injuries, specifically those who have lost a limb or use of a limb, become paralyzed or partially paralyzed, or lost their sight. To qualify, these veterans must be enrolled in the VA's healthcare system and currently use a wheelchair, prosthetic limb, or other mobility device because of their injury. For eligible veterans, PreCheck would be completely free, allowing them to go through expedited security lines at airports, keep their shoes and belt on, and leave laptops and liquids in their bags—all things that normally require extra time and hassle.

The practical benefit is significant for wounded veterans who may already struggle with mobility or pain during travel. Instead of standing in long security lines and going through standard screening procedures that can be uncomfortable or time-consuming with assistive devices, they'd move through a faster, less complicated process. The bill requires the TSA and Veterans Affairs to work together to set up this program within a year and to brief Congress on how it's going. Additionally, the bill asks these agencies to reach out to disabled veterans to make sure they know about TSA programs designed to help people with disabilities travel more easily, and to explore other ways to improve the airport experience for wounded veterans.

VETS Safe Travel Act

Gosar, Paul A.

Veterans Expedited TSA Screening Safe Travel Act or the VETS Safe Travel Act This bill makes certain veterans eligible for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck Program at no cost if they meet the program's background check and security requirements. Veterans who are eligible for this fee waiver are those who are in the annual patient enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and require the use of a wheelchair, prosthetic limb, or other assistive device to aid with mobility due to (1) loss, or loss of use, of a limb; (2) full or partial paralyzation; or (3) permanent blindness. The VA and the TSA must develop and implement a process to provide disabled veterans effective outreach about TSA programs that are designed to improve the screening process for passengers with disabilities.