U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, announced Monday that he’s signed on as an original cosponsor to the Helping Heroes Fly Act, which he said would improve airport security screening processes for wounded and severely disabled service members and veterans.

“While we’ll never be able to repay our heroic servicemen and women for the sacrifices they've made in the line of duty, it should be our top priority to make their lives back home as easy and comfortable as possible,” Joyce said in a statement. “The Helping Heroes Fly Act will ensure that our wounded warriors are able to get through airport security quickly and comfortably and avoid any disruptive or difficult screening practices.

“America’s servicemen and women are the best and brightest in the world and deserve a comfortable transition back home for protecting the freedoms we enjoy every day,” Joyce said.

The Helping Heroes Fly Act was introduced by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. D-Hawaii, and would require that Transportation Security Administration enhance its Operations Center program to ensure that our nation’s heroes are shown their due respect and appreciation, Joyce said.

It would also provide training to all screeners on the protocols to prevent discrepancies in how wounded warriors utilizing the program are treated; enhance the program’s efficacy in meeting the needs of wounded warriors by mandating ongoing consultations between TSA officials and advocacy organizations; and ensure Congressional oversight of the program by implementing annual reporting, Joyce said.


John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah