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Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) today reintroduced the Veterans Air Travel Streamlining Act and the Children of Military Service Members Commemorative Lapel Pin Act in an effort to honor our nation’s heroes and their families. Latta previously introduced both pieces of legislation in the 113^th Congress.

The Veterans Air Travel Streamlining Act would waive the TSA pre-check program application fee for U.S. military veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or greater. It is important to note that eligibility requirements would still need to be met before being approved for the pre-check program.

“Currently, injured veterans must contact TSA with the details of their confirmed flight itinerary and all other relevant information to be eligible to use TSA pre-check lanes or other expedited screening procedures,” said Latta. “While these efforts by the TSA are commendable, this process can be time consuming and redundant. The Veterans Air Travel Streamlining Act would provide an opportunity for us to show our gratitude to our nation’s heroes by expediting certain screening procedures that can be time consuming given their injuries.”

The Children of Military Service Members Commemorative Lapel Pin Act, would honor military children for their contributions to our military, through their parents, with an official lapel pin.

“We must do everything we can to honor and respect not only our men and women in uniform, but also their families who have sacrificed so much for them and for our country,” said Latta. “Our military children have endured frequent moves, long and short-term absences of a parent, and threats of parental loss in war. The Children of Military Service Members Commemorative Lapel Pin Act is just one way that we can recognize them for their contributions to our country.”  

Today, H.R. 543, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Latta, was also introduced in the House. The bill grants presumptive Agent Orange exposure status to service members who served in the territorial seas of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. This would enable eligible veterans to receive expedited consideration for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits if they suffer from any of the diseases the U.S. government has linked to Agent Orange.

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