U.S. Travel Urges Expedited Security Screenings for Members of the Armed Forces

November 29, 2011

Washington, DC - The U.S. Travel Association today announced its support of legislation that would provide members of the Armed Forces an expedited security process at U.S. airport security checkpoints.

“Our country trusts the men and women of the Armed Forces with the ultimate responsibility – to protect and defend the United States. Yet when flying for official duties or en route to put their lives on the line for this country, they are met with the same skepticism, scrutiny and inefficiencies that every person receives in our ‘one-size-fits-all’ aviation security process,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

Introduced by Congressman Chip Cravaack, H.R. 1801 amends title 49 of the United States Code and provides expedited security screening services for a member of the Armed Forces, and any accompanying family member, when the member of the Armed Forces presents documentation indicating official orders while in uniform through a primary airport.

“We applaud Congressman Cravaack for recognizing the value of risk-based screening and urge the House to pass this common sense legislation,” said Dow. “We also applaud the Transportation Security Administration for announcing its pilot program to provide expedited screening for members of the Armed Forces.”

Contact:
Cathy Keefe 202-408-2183

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.8 trillion in economic output and supports 14.1 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.