Strong Leads Bipartisan SAFEGUARDS Act to Enhance Airport Security

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Dale Strong introduced the "Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act," or SAFEGUARDS Act, alongside Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), to ensure that revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee is invested into aviation and airport security, consistent with the fee's original intent.

The $5.60 fee, paid by every passenger on a one-way ticket, was first implemented to fund aviation security improvements and upgrades nationwide. However, since 2014, approximately $15 billion in fee revenue has been redirected to unrelated, non-security purposes.

The SAFEGUARDS Act would ensure the fee is used to make dedicated investments to bolster aviation and airport security and prioritize resources to modernize screening technology, upgrade baggage detection systems, and improve checkpoint efficiency.

The legislation comes as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces increasing passenger volumes and growing demands on the nation's aviation security infrastructure ahead of several major international events expected to bring millions of visitors to the United States over the next few years. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee and member of the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States, Strong has helped lead congressional oversight of preparations for those events.

"As we prepare to host millions of visitors for major international events and continue facing evolving threats to our homeland, we must ensure TSA has the resources necessary to secure our airports with modern screening technology and upgrades that keep passengers safe. The SAFEGUARDS Act ensures that the resources are available to do just that," said Representative Dale Strong (AL-05).

The SAFEGUARDS Act is co-led by Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) and co-sponsored by Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02), Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (MS-03), Gabe Evans (CO-08), and Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07).

"The SAFEGUARDS Act is a necessary piece of legislation to provide increased funding that we rely on to keep our skies and cities safe. As the existing screening technology in our airports falls behind modern standards and best practices, we are going to start to see real strain on systems that are essential to passenger and crew safety. This legislation guarantees that the TSA has the resources it needs to protect travelers and keep our airports running smoothly," said Representative Tim Kennedy (NY-26).

"As America prepares to welcome millions of international visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250 celebrations, and the 2028 Olympics, we must modernize our transportation system to meet the security challenges of today. For the last decade, the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee has generated over $40 billion in revenue, but billions of dollars have been diverted to unrelated purposes instead of being used to fund the cutting-edge screening technology that is essential to provide safety and security to the traveling public. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, travelers should be able to trust that when they pay this fee, their hard-earned money will be used to ensure an attack like that never happens again. I am proud to join Representatives Strong, Kennedy, and other Committee members on this bipartisan legislation and look forward to continuing our collective efforts to modernize America's transportation security infrastructure and enhance TSA's ability to prepare for and respond to an ever-evolving threat landscape," said Homeland Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02)

"The men and women of the TSA work every day to protect millions of travelers, and they deserve the resources necessary to protect the flying public. I am proud to co-sponsor the SAFEGUARDS Act, which stops TSA security fees from being used for other purposes and makes sure that money goes back into improving aviation security. This practical change will help fund important upgrades in screening, technology, and other key efforts to better protect our country. I will keep working to support our national security and keep travelers safe," said Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (MS-03).

"As air travel continues to grow, so do demands on America's aviation security systems. For years, funding meant for security has been redirected elsewhere, restricting airports big and small, from Denver to mountain towns, with outdated screening and surveillance equipment. I am proud to co-sponsor the SAFEGUARDS Act to restore safety for airline and airport employees and improve travelers' experiences nationwide. By investing in modern screening technology, we will reduce delays and strengthen our ability to detect evolving threats," said Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08).

"When passengers board a flight, they count on effective, modern, and efficient security systems. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, it's essential that our nation remains vigilant and continues to protect air travelers. The SAFEGUARDS Act will help to protect American aviation - ending the diversion of security funding and providing the screening resources that the American people deserve," said Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07)

Specifically, the SAFEGUARDS Act would:

• Allocate $500 million in PSF revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems; and

• Designate $250 million annually for checkpoint technology improvements.
  

The SAFEGUARDS Act is supported by the Huntsville International Airport, Airlines for America, American Airlines, U.S. Travel Association, Southwest Airlines, Airport Council International - North America, and American Association of Airport Executives.

"We appreciate Congressman Dale Strong for his efforts to support and strengthen the transportation needs of our passengers and regional community. The SAFEGUARDS Act would ensure that passenger fees are returned to their intended purpose-investing in advanced technologies that enhance the safety and efficiency of air travel across the U.S. Maintaining a modern, secure aviation system is essential." - Butch Roberts, CEO, Port of Huntsville/Huntsville International Airport

"Airlines for America strongly supports the SAFEGUARDS Act and thanks Reps. Strong, Kennedy, Garbarino, Guest, Mackenzie, and Evans for their bipartisan leadership on this legislation. Passengers have long paid the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee with the understanding that those dollars would go directly toward aviation security and keeping them safe. By reinvesting these funds in next-generation screening technologies and modernized checked baggage systems, this legislation will enhance security, reduce checkpoint congestion and improve the overall travel experience for millions of Americans. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250 and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, now is the time to make these smart, targeted investments so we're ready to welcome the world." - Airlines for America (A4A)

"American Airlines strongly supports the SAFEGUARDS Act that finally ends the diversion of the 9/11 Security Fee paid by passengers and ensures those funds are dedicated to aviation security. We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Representative Strong, Representative Kennedy, and Chairman Garbarino as their efforts will help strengthen checkpoint technology, improve efficiency, and enhance the safety of the traveling public. American Airlines urges the House to pass the SAFEGUARDS Act," - American Airlines

"The SAFEGUARDS Act ensures that all the funds raised from the passenger-paid 9/11 Passenger Security Fee are fully used by the TSA to ensure airports nationwide are equipped with the most advanced passenger and baggage screening technology to guarantee the flying public remains secure. Southwest strongly supports directing the revenue generated by the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee to invest in technologies that strengthen airport security across the country." - David Hunt, Vice President for Safety and Security, Southwest Airlines

"Despite travelers paying the 9/11 Security Fee on every U.S. flight to improve aviation security, that funding continues to be diverted to pay for unrelated government spending - resulting in a tax on American travelers that has severely delayed critical security modernization. The SAFEGUARDS Act ensures more funding is rightfully invested in game-changing screening technology to enhance security, increase efficiency, and improve the travel experience at airports across the country. Without action, travelers won't be able to carry larger liquids through TSA checkpoints for another 20 years. U.S. Travel strongly supports the bill to modernize aviation security and finally give Americans the travel system they deserve." - Erik Hansen, Senior Vice President, Head of Government Relations, U.S. Travel Association

"ACI-NA and its member airports remain committed to ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient aviation system for all users. We applaud Rep. Strong, Chair Garbarino, and Reps. Kennedy, Guest, Evans, and Mackenzie for introducing this important legislation to provide TSA with dedicated resources for next-generation screening technologies. As passenger volumes continue to rise and TSA's procurement schedule continues to lag, the SAFEGUARDS Act will deliver a critical technology boost to help the agency more effectively and efficiently screen passengers and baggage." - Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO, Airports Council International-North America

"AAAE thanks Representative Strong, Chairman Garbarino, and other House leaders for working to ensure that security fees paid by air travelers are used as intended to make the aviation system safer and more secure. By investing in better technology, the SAFEGUARDS Act will help improve security, efficiency, and reliability for passengers at airports across the country. We urge its swift passage." - Todd Hauptli, President and CEO, American Association of Airport Executives

Similar legislation was introduced by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and marked up in the Senate Commerce Committee.

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Full text of the legislation can be found here.