WASHINGTON (November 30) – The House of Representatives has passed legislation to expedite airport screening for members of the military traveling on official orders. 

            The Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act, which was approved by a vote of 404-0 last night, is based on an amendment originally proposed by Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) in May 2009. The Bachus amendment, which directed the Transportation Security Administration to establish an expedited screening process for servicemen and women often forced to rush to make flights for national defense assignments, was accepted during the past session of Congress but the underlying bill did not become law.  

            Congressman Bachus voted for The Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act and submitted the following statement in support of the bill. 

“Our men and women in uniform do so much for us. The least we can do for them as they rush through airports loaded down with heavy gear is to establish a faster but fully protective way for them to pass through security. There is no group that deserves this consideration more than the dedicated men and women who serve in the U.S. military. H.R. 1801 is based on an amendment that I drafted in May 2009 to expedite security screening for members of the military traveling on official orders. It directs the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and implement a plan to allow members of our Armed Forces, and their families, expedited but secure screening at airports. The former Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard, Major General Abner Blalock, stated to me that this courtesy will “make a big difference for our military and our families.” My commendations go to Representative Chip Cravaack for being a champion of this legislation and to this House for this show of concern for our soldiers and their families. It is my hope that this bill will receive overwhelming, if not unanimous support. It is only fitting for the dedicated men and women who protect our freedom.”