Bill would speed troops through TSA checkpoints - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Bill would speed troops through TSA checkpoints

A Navy veteran in Congress wants expedited screening procedures created so service members in uniform aren’t delayed trying to make it through airport screening.

“Common sense says they should not be viewed as potential terrorists in our airports,” said Rep. Chip Cravaack, R-Minn., a retired Navy captain with 24 years of service.

Cravaack has introduced a bill calling on the Transportation Security Administration to come up with a policy that speeds service members and their families through security checkpoints when they are traveling on official orders. He called them a “low-risk group that is ideally suited for an accelerated security screening process.”

The second-ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security subcommittee on aviation, Cravaack is in good position to try to get the bill, HR 1801, passed.

His proposal would give the TSA six months from the time the bill becomes law to develop and implement a policy for service members that doesn’t require an additional screening. To do this, the bill asks for guidelines to be established for the screening of military uniforms, including combat boots and other items containing metal.

TSA rules for service members require Class A uniform jackets and metal belt buckles to be removed. Also, as with other passengers, all metal must be removed from pockets.

Rules say that service members in uniform with valid military identification are not required to remove their footwear unless the shoes or boots set off the metal detector. They also recommend that service members check to make certain prohibited items are not in carry-on luggage.

In checked baggage, TSA tells service members to “pack your heavier, denser equipment/personal items at the top of your checked baggage,” such as helmets, boots and books, and put clothing and lighter items in the bottom.

“This will help TSA screeners re-pack your bag neatly if a physical search is required,” a TSA notice for service members says.