Rep. Tulsi Gabbard can now say she’s passed a bill in the House.  The House today unanimously approved a measure she sponsored, which improves airport security for wounded and severely disabled service members and veterans.

The Helping Heroes Fly Act Today allows the service members and veterans to be escorted through security checkpoints when scheduled in advance. Those with severe injuries will no longer be required to remove their shoes, jackets and hats.

The federal Transportation Security Administration had actually implemented the changes in March after Gabbard proposed her bill. However, the bill would put the changes into law if approved by the Senate.

Gabbard said in a statement: “For our wounded warriors and their families, airline travel will now be a much more dignified experience. Due to the nature of their injuries and disabilities, removing a belt, shoe or jacket can be more than just an inconvenience.  These selfless heroes should never have to face lengthy, invasive, and even humiliating screening procedures at our airports.”

The measure was praised by Bill Lawson, president of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. “This Act mandates that TSA make every effort to protect the privacy of wounded warriors and ensure that our nation’s heroes are shown their due respect and appreciation,” he said in a statement.

— Kery Murakami