U.S. Representative Dale Strong, R-Alabama, introduced legislation that would require billions of dollars collected through airline passenger security fees to be spent exclusively on aviation security, ending a practice that has diverted the money to other federal purposes for more than a decade.
The Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act, or SAFEGUARDS Act, would create dedicated funding streams for airport screening equipment by requiring revenue from the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee to be reinvested in the Transportation Security Administration’s security mission.
U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy, D-New York, co-led the legislation. It is also backed by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino, R-New York; House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest, R-Mississippi; U.S. Representative Gabe Evans, R-Colorado; and U.S. Representative Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pennsylvania.
Under current law, airline passengers pay a $5.60 security fee on each one-way ticket. Congress created the fee after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to help fund aviation security improvements.
Strong’s office said the federal government has used about $15 billion collected since 2014 to offset unrelated spending.
The legislation would amend federal law to establish two permanent accounts within the Aviation Security Capital Fund. The first would receive $500 million annually for explosive detection systems used to screen checked baggage.
The second would provide $250 million annually for a new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund, which would pay for advanced passenger screening equipment. The money would remain available until spent and could not be diverted to other purposes.
“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,” Strong said. “The SAFEGUARDS Act ensures that the resources are available to do just that.”
Huntsville International Airport, Airlines for America, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, the U.S. Travel Association, Airports Council International-North America and the American Association of Airport Executives support the legislation.
Port of Huntsville CEO Butch Roberts said the bill would redirect passenger security fees toward the aviation security investments they were created to fund.
“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.,” Roberts said. “Maintaining a modern, secure aviation system is essential.”
The House Homeland Security Committee approved the bill, and the House passed it unanimously. The legislation now awaits consideration in the Senate.
