[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 42 (Thursday, March 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HELPING HEROES FLY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TULSI GABBARD

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2013

  Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
``Helping Heroes Fly Act.''
  I authored this legislation to authorize and improve the 
Transportation Security Administration's, TSA, Wounded Warrior/Military 
Severely Injured Joint Support Operations Program, which facilitates 
and expedites the passenger screening process for severely injured or 
disabled members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
  Customer service at airport checkpoints is an issue that evokes 
passionate reactions from constituents across the Nation. As a 
representative from Hawaii, one of the country's foremost vacation 
destinations, I have a special interest in ensuring that the screening 
experience is as effective and smooth as possible. Unfortunately, too 
often, we hear stories from our constituents and visitors about time-
consuming, inconvenient, and invasive TSA checkpoint searches. For 
wounded members of the Armed Forces and veterans, however, this ordeal 
can be a particularly difficult experience due to the nature of both 
their injuries and disabilities and TSA's strict screening 
requirements.
  Recognizing the need to improve customer service for all passengers, 
particularly those with a disability or hindering medical condition, 
TSA has, in recent years, established several alternative methods of 
screening, including TSA's Wounded Warrior Screening Program.
  Under the Wounded Warrior Screening Program, a severely injured or 
disabled service member, veteran, or family member contacts the 
program's Operation Center at TSA before a flight to arrange expedited 
screening. An officer at the Operations Center then notifies the 
appropriate personnel at the involved airports to ensure that screening 
is conducted in such a way as to make the screening experience as 
simple as possible.
  The establishment of the Wounded Warrior Screening Program is a 
positive step. However, through my work on the Committee on Homeland 
Security, I have spoken with advocates of members of the Armed Forces 
and veterans and have come to learn that the program could be improved. 
In particular, as implemented in the field, there is a lack of 
consistency that needs to be addressed. Some wounded warriors have 
reported a lack of sensitivity and respect for privacy during the 
screening experience. Certainly, active engagement with advocate 
organizations would improve the program and help ensure that it 
accomplishes its goal.
  To improve the program, the ``Helping Heroes Fly Act'' requires:
  TSA to develop a process to expedite screening for severely injured 
or disabled members of the Armed Forces and veterans that protects the 
privacy of the individual being screened; requires TSA to consult with 
advocacy organizations to ensure that TSA is addressing the needs of 
wounded warriors to the best of their ability; mandates training of 
Transportation Security Officers on the expedited screening process 
protocols; requires TSA to maintain an operations center that severely 
injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and veterans can 
contact for assistance in advance of flying; and requires TSA to report 
to Congress on its progress in implementing the screening our Nation's 
wounded warriors and veterans deserve.
  Mr. Speaker, the ``Helping Heroes Fly Act'' is an important, 
bipartisan bill, crafted in consultation with advocacy organizations.
  It comes in response to documented grievances associated with airport 
checkpoints and represents an important step we can take in 
acknowledging the service of our Nation's heroes.
  Just this week, we got reports of the difficulty a Marine at 
Phoenix's Sky Harbor airport had during the screening process.
  The ``Helping Heroes Fly Act'' will ensure TSA establishes the 
policies that will allow them to do so.
  I urge my colleagues to support the ``Helping Heroes Fly Act'' so 
that we can ease the screening process for my fellow service members 
and show them the respect and honor they have earned.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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