TSA to help clothe homeless veterans

WASHINGTON D.C. (WIVB) - The House of Representatives has passed a bill introduced by Rep. Kathy Hochul to help clothe homeless veterans.

The bill, H.R. 6328, Clothe a Homeless Hero Act, requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to distribute unclaimed clothing left at airport security checkpoints to homeless and needy veterans and their families.  The TSA will partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and local charities for the distribution.

 “As cold weather approaches across much of the country, this legislation will be a greatly needed help for homeless veterans while we work to end homelessness for good. It is unconscionable that so many of our veterans are homeless, and we must support our returning heroes. I am proud that my legislation to assist veterans passed with the bi-partisan support of my colleagues,” Rep. Hochul said.

According to the VA, approximately 75,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and about 20,000 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been homeless within the last 5 years.