Sheila Jackson Lee: “As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee and the former ranking member and chair of the Subcommittee on…”

“As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee and the former ranking member and chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4812, the Honor Flight Act of 2014. H.R. 4812 authorizes the collaboration between the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Honor Flight Network, as well as other non-profit organizations that transport veterans to visit memorials, to ensure continued expedited and dignified passenger screening for veterans travelling to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials and other tributes to their bravery, heroism, and sacrifice in the cause of freedom. Mr. Speaker, thousands of veterans across the country fought to protect the freedoms we take for granted and to keep our nation safe. They are deserving of our gratitude for the valor and courage they displayed in risking their lives to keep us free and to liberate captive peoples in other lands. They are veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf Wars--Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. With each passing day, the number of World War II and Korea veterans declines by the hundreds. For many of these heroes, one of their last wishes is to visit the national war memorials in Washington, D.C. Honoring and facilitating that request is the least we can do for those who did so much for us.…”