By Miltary.com | Created at 2026-07-20 17:15:47 | Updated at 2026-08-04 00:56:10
2 weeks ago
Published Jul 20, 2026, 12:42 PM EDT
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-S.C), a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard plus a wife and mother.
Published Jul 20, 2026, 12:42 PM EDT
Military personnel traveling through the nation's airports could soon enjoy a security shortcut.
The House of Representatives passed the Improving Travel for Military Members Act last week, calling for dedicated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening lanes for active-duty service members and their families.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-S.C.), a first-term lawmaker and only the third female from South Carolina elected to the House. She is also a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, in addition to being a wife and mother.
“Our service members and their families already sacrifice through deployments, long separations, and constant moves," Biggs said in a statement. "Making travel easier is one practical way we can honor their service and show them the respect they more than deserve.”
The House version of the bill was approved by unanimous consent on July 13, advancing the measure to the Senate for final approval before heading to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Legislation Establishes Pilot TSA Program
The bill allows the TSA to establish a pilot program to expedite access to security screening for traveling active-duty military personnel and accompanying family members.
The bill, in part, notes that selective airports would participate in the pilot program. TSA must give priority to airports in proximity to certain military installations.
Congressman Sheri Biggs (R-SC) sponsored the 'Improving Travel for Military Members Act' to expedite TSA screenings for active duty personnel and their families. (House.gov).More than 1.3 million Americans currently serve on active duty, many of whom travel under deployment orders, PCS moves, or emergency assignments with little notice.
Additionally, nearly 889,000 children are part of active-duty military families, marking another challenge associated with air travel.
Biggs said the legislation reflects her continued commitment to supporting military readiness, strengthening military families, and ensuring America honors those who serve not only in words but through action.
As a member currently serving in the Air National Guard, I have worn the uniform and I have seen firsthand what we ask of service members and their families. This legislation is written from experience, not just policy.
Biggs serves on multiple committees including Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, and Science, Space, and Technology. Her congressional commitments, coupled with her own Air National Guard service, give her unique insight into the life of an active-duty soldier.
"They answer the call with very little notice," Biggs said. "Shipping out on deployment orders, relocating their families across the country on PCS moves, or rushing to emergency assignments at a moment's notice.
"They don't get to plan ahead. They don't get to choose their travel dates. They simply go because that's what the service requires."
Current TSA Rules Offer Some Expedited Screening
The TSA already offers some limited expedited travel accommodations for service members.
In July 2025, the agency launched the "Serve With Honor, Travel With East Initiative" to offer dedicated airport "Honor Lanes", free TSA PreCheck for Gold Star families, and discounted enrollment for military spouses.
Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC) is also a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, and said she knows first-hand the struggles military families face while traveling through the nation's airports. (House.gov).Biggs said her legislation strengthens the TSA's initiative.
"Depending on the airport, military members and their families may not receive expedited screening through dedicated lines, preferred lanes or front-of-line access," she said. "My legislation builds on this important effort. Service members will benefit from faster, more efficient travel while maintaining the same high security standards."
Biggs's remarks on the House floor before the bill's passage included a plea to her fellow lawmakers to understand the plight of military families as they travel through the nation's airports—especially on short notice.
"A few minutes saved at a security line may seem insignificant to some, but to a military spouse managing three children on a cross-country move on 48 hours notice, it is anything but," Biggs said. "It sends a message to every service member and their family that America sees you, values you, and respects the sacrifices you make in service to our country."
