Obama signs bill easing airport screening for vets

[August 10, 2013]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House says President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill making it easier for wounded or disabled members of the military and veterans to get through airport security screening.

Obama signed the bill Friday, a week after it received final approval in the House. The measure requires the Defense Department and Veterans Affairs to work with the Transportation Security Administration on a new protocol.

Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, an Iraq war veteran, sponsored the bill, with Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor of Arkansas and Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire leading the Senate effort.

Gabbard says the law ensures troops can return to life at home as quickly and seamlessly as possible. She says veterans deserve dignified screening processes that respect their service and sacrifices.

[Associated Press]

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