U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., the vice chairman of the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, teamed up with two members of the U.S. Senate at the end of last week to unveil a bill helping disabled veterans have more access to transportation.
Bilirakis, U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., and U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., unveiled the Disabled Veterans Access to Space-A Travel Act.
Under the Space-Available (Space-A) program, retired Armed Forces personnel are able to travel on military planes if there is space on flights but there are some limits when it comes to disabled veterans. The bill would let disabled veterans with a “permanent service-connected disability rated as 100 percent to travel aboard military aircraft” by adjusting the Space-A program.
“Disabled veterans who have a service-connected permanent disability rated as 100 percent cannot travel on military flights unless they are military retirees,” Bilirakis’ office noted. “This bill would authorize veterans who have a service-connected, permanent disability rated as 100 percent to travel on Space-A at no additional cost to the Department of Defense and without aircraft modifications.”
“I’m proud we have worked together on this legislation to help our true American heroes,” Bilirakis said when the bill was introduced last week. “Our veterans have bravely served our country, and this is a common sense bill to help us further honor the sacrifices of 100 percent service-disabled veterans. It would allow these heroes to be eligible for the Space-Available program at no additional cost to the Department of Defense. The Space-A program allows active duty service members, their families, retirees, and certain others to fill empty seats on DOD flights. While active duty members and their families will remain the primary beneficiaries of this program in order to assist them in their service, our bill will extend this benefit to our disabled veterans. I’m honored to continue my work to support all our nation's heroes.”
“This bipartisan bill honors the sacrifice of those who have served and recognizes the contribution these Veterans have made to our nation,” Tester said. “Taking this step forward will improve the quality of life for these American heroes and help fulfill this country's obligation to properly honor their service.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
