Senators Heller, Tester Join Bilirakis To Expand Travel Options for Disabled Veterans

Press Release

U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Jon Tester (D-MT) joined Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL12) to introduce the Disabled Veterans Access to Space-A Travel Act. The legislation allows disabled Veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rated as 100 percent to travel aboard military aircraft under the Space-Available (Space-A) program. Following introduction, Heller, Tester, and Bilirakis offered these statements:

"America's disabled Veterans live daily with the cost of freedom, and our nation must never forget their honorable commitment and service. This legislation ensures that those who have returned home and sacrificed the most have access to space-available travel -- a quality benefit that truly shows how thankful America is for their sacrifice. I am proud to advocate on behalf of those who served in our Armed Forces and am grateful for the work of my colleagues Senator Tester and Congressman Bilirakis on this critical legislation," said Senator Dean Heller.

"This bipartisan bill honors the sacrifice of those who have served and recognizes the contribution these Veterans have made to our nation. Taking this step forward will imporve the quality of life for these American heroes and help fulfill this country's obligation to properly honor their service," said Senator Jon Tester.

"I'm proud we have worked together on this legislation to help our true American heroes. 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," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

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