SAFEGUARDS Act Garners Widespread Aviation Industry Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Leaders from across the aviation industry have expressed their support for the "Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act," or SAFEGUARDS Act, which was introduced by Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Dale Strong (R-AL).

The bipartisan bill would ensure that the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF), which is currently $5.60 for a one-way plane ticket, goes towards strengthening aviation and airport security. Since 2014, a significant portion of the PSF revenue, roughly $15 billion, has been drawn away from investment in passenger security efforts.

The legislation was cosponsored by Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY), Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS), Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), and Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO).

Today, the Committee held a hearing on TSA modernization efforts to examine opportunities for reform and key legislative proposals to strengthen our nation's transportation security infrastructure, ensure TSA can promptly respond to emerging risks such as drones and cyberattacks, and improve the travel experience for the flying public ahead of major upcoming events on U.S. soil. The hearing also examined the long-term impacts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown on TSA's workforce, operations, and resources. Witnesses testified about the importance of addressing the fee diversion at the hearing and highlighted the positive security investments that would come from ending the diversion.

"Every time we tell a passenger that they're paying a 9/11 fee, we're lying to them because this body has, up until now, up until the SAFEGUARDS Act, which will finally stop this madness, diverted billions, about a billion and a half a year in the past few years. And that money is critically needed… When we looked at the technology that's really needed to get us where we need to be, right now, we're on pace for maybe 2042, 2043, like 15 years out. That's how far behind we are, and that's how much we've let down both the TSOs themselves from not having the technology to do their job better [and] the airports themselves… The SAFEGUARDS Act is just the first, but an incredibly critical step to making sure that this nonsense is finally pushed into the positive direction," said Christopher T. Sununu, President and CEO of Airlines for America (A4A) during the Committee's hearing .

"The idea that the consumer is going to pay that fee and then continue to pay the 9/11 fee is disheartening. So the sooner we get this resolved, the better. The fee diversion should stop. I think it's near $16 billion over the last 12 to 13 years, and that would go a long way," said Chris McLaughlin, CEO of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) during the Committee's hearing.

Below are statements in support of the SAFEGUARDS Act:

"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," said Airlines for America (A4A).

"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," said Erik Hansen, Senior Vice President, Head of Government Relations of U.S. Travel Association.

"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," said American Airlines.

"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," said Butch Roberts, CEO of the Port of Huntsville/Huntsville International Airport.

"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," said David Hunt, Vice President for Safety and Security of Southwest Airlines.

"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. Guest and Evans 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," said Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO of the 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," said Todd Hauptli, President and CEO of the American Association of Airport Executives.

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