HARTFORD – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Honor Flight Act (H.R. 4812) which he introduced in the Senate. The Honor Flight Act, which was introduced in the House by U.S. Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.), will cut down on cumbersome pre-flight screening processes for elderly veterans who participate in the Honor Flight Network - an organization that arranges free trips for U.S. military veterans to visit the DC memorial of the war in which they served. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is an original cosponsor of Murphy's bill.

"I introduced this bill when I heard that some older veterans were reluctant to take part in the Honor Flight program because they feared having to deal with the hassle of the TSA process,” said Murphy. “I’m thrilled that the House and the Senate worked so quickly to ensure that the thousands of men and women, in Connecticut and across the nation, who served our country will now be able to visit the memorials constructed in their honor with dignity and pride. This bill – which I’ve been proud to champion with Representative Richmond – is a small but significant signal of respect to our veterans who participate in the Honor Flight program."

"These brave warriors deserve to be honored and trusted while flying in recognition of their immense service to our nation. Having waited decades to see the memorials erected in their honor-- these heroes have earned a trip unencumbered by unnecessary impediments," said Blumenthal.

Currently, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) works with the Honor Flight Network to expedite the pre-flight screening process for Honor Flight program participants. But this partnership is not written into law and can change at any time, forcing Honor Flight veterans to endure a cumbersome screening process.

The Honor Flight Act will codify the current partnership into law, ensuring that our veterans can continue to benefit from expedited screening processes and enjoy their visit to the memorials honoring their service.