Discussion · House of Representatives
Sheri Biggs Republican
“I want the House to pass this bill. It sets up a three-year test program to help active-duty troops and their families get through airport security lines faster, especially at airports near military bases.”
“Mr. Speaker, I don’t speak on this legislation as an outside observer. As a Member currently serving in the Air National Guard, I have worn the uniform. I have seen firsthand what it asks of servicemembers and their families. This legislation is written from experience, not just policy. Mr. Speaker, more than 1.3 million Americans serve our Nation on Active Duty, and they answer the call with very little notice--shipping out on deployment orders, relocating their families across the country on PCS moves, or rushing to emergency assignments at a moment’s notice. They don’t get to plan ahead. They don’t get to choose their travel dates. They simply go because that is what the service requires. Last summer, the Transportation Security Administration launched the Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease initiative to better support our servicemembers while advancing much-needed modernization across our aviation system as passenger volumes continued to grow. Depending on the airport, military members and their families may receive expedited screening through dedicated lines, preferred lanes, or front-of-line access. My legislation, the Improving Travel for Military Members Act, builds on this important effort by establishing a 3-year pilot program to expedite security screening for Active-Duty military personnel and their accompanying family members with priority given to airports located near military installations. That means in my home State of South Carolina, which is home to a number of military installations, servicemembers will benefit from faster, more efficient travel while maintaining the same high security standards. Let me be very clear: Every passenger remains subject to appropriate security screening. What this bill does is gives airports the flexibility to implement the program based on their own operational needs, their proximity to military bases, and passenger volume. This bill is targeted. It is practical, and it is fiscally responsible. A few minutes saved at a security line may seem insignificant to some, but to a military spouse managing three children and a cross- country move on 48 hours’ notice, it is anything but. It sends a message to every servicemember and their family: America sees you, values you, and respects the sacrifices you make in service to our country. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation for our servicemembers and their families.”
Mr. Speaker, I don’t speak on this legislation as an outside observer. As a Member currently serving in the Air National Guard, I have worn the uniform. I have seen firsthand what it asks of servicemembers and their families. This legislation is written from experience, not just policy. Mr. Speaker, more than 1.3 million Americans serve our Nation on Active Duty, and they answer the call with very little notice--shipping out on deployment orders, relocating their families across the country on PCS moves, or rushing to emergency assignments at a moment’s notice. They don’t get to plan ahead. They don’t get to choose their travel dates. They simply go because that is what the service requires. Last summer, the Transportation Security Administration launched the Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease initiative to better support our servicemembers while advancing much-needed modernization across our aviation system as passenger volumes continued to grow. Depending on the airport, military members and their families may receive expedited screening through dedicated lines, preferred lanes, or front-of-line access. My legislation, the Improving Travel for Military Members Act, builds on this important effort by establishing a 3-year pilot program to expedite security screening for Active-Duty military personnel and their accompanying family members with priority given to airports located near military installations. That means in my home State of South Carolina, which is home to a number of military installations, servicemembers will benefit from faster, more efficient travel while maintaining the same high security standards. Let me be very clear: Every passenger remains subject to appropriate security screening. What this bill does is gives airports the flexibility to implement the program based on their own operational needs, their proximity to military bases, and passenger volume. This bill is targeted. It is practical, and it is fiscally responsible. A few minutes saved at a security line may seem insignificant to some, but to a military spouse managing three children and a cross- country move on 48 hours’ notice, it is anything but. It sends a message to every servicemember and their family: America sees you, values you, and respects the sacrifices you make in service to our country. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation for our servicemembers and their families.