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House of Representatives

Improving Travel for American Families Act

2026-07-13 Issue 113 Showing 1–5 of 5

A bill to let the TSA test out separate airport screening lanes for families with small kids in a 2-year pilot program. Both parties praised how it could improve air travel for young families while maintaining security standards.

Official Congressional Record ↗

Andrew R. Garbarino

Republican 4:40 p.m.

“I want this bill to pass so the government can claim it is helping families.”

Andrew R. Garbarino

Republican 4:40 p.m.

“I want the government to make airport security faster for families. We should test new screening lanes for kids under 12. Try it at busy airports with space for more lanes. This will make traveling with kids easier. I want you to vote yes on this bill.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8897, the Improving Travel for American Families Act. This bill allows the TSA Administrator to establish a 2-year pilot program to expedite access and implement alternative screening lanes for passengers and accompanying children under the age of 12. If established, this pilot program would be prioritized at airports with high volumes of family travelers, as well as at airports that have the space to accommodate additional screening lanes. This legislation will help ease the burdens families face when traveling with young children and improve the overall passenger experience. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Mackenzie for his leadership and urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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James R. Walkinshaw

Democrat 4:40 p.m.

“This bill will make the TSA keep testing faster security lines at some airports for families with kids. I want it to pass. Long airport lines are hard for kids. I know because I am a parent. This program will help families who fly. It will also be good for other travelers.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8897, the Improving Travel for American Families Act. Every day, thousands of families across our Nation take to the skies, many of them with small children who are not always the easiest of travel companions. I can attest to that. Any parent knows that long lines at checkpoints can make a long day of travel even worse for a kid. That is why since last year, the TSA has started pilot programs at select airports with special lines reserved for families which help decrease wait times while keeping screening efficient for other travelers, as well. H.R. 8897 would codify the ongoing pilot program and ensure appropriate security protocols are upheld. The bill would help advance this initiative to help traveling families. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ryan Mackenzie

Republican 4:40 p.m.

“I want this bill to pass. It will make airports a little less bad for parents with kids. We all voted for it in committee. I have kids. I know flying with them is hard. It's very stressful for parents to go through TSA with a lot of stuff and kids. This program will let TSA keep testing faster security lines for families. It won't change security rules. This is a small change that won't cost much and could help a little. Everyone should vote yes.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8897, the Improving Travel for American Families Act, which I am leading alongside my colleague, Representative Foushee. Americans everywhere understand that there are better, easier, and more efficient ways to manage safety screenings at our airports. That was made clear when this legislation was reported unanimously by the Committee on Homeland Security by a vote of 30-0. We are bringing both sides together to give families the more convenient air travel experience that they deserve. As the father of two young children, I know firsthand that family travel can be challenging. Parents often have to navigate crowded airports while juggling strollers, diaper bags, car seats, and more, all while taking their families through the large crowds and navigating long lines. Every parent is aware that the most stressful part of this process can be the TSA screening point. Families with an array of bags and bulky items pack into the same lanes as business travelers with a small carry-on. The resulting problems can create stress for parents and frustration for everyone else. That is why H.R. 8897 allows the TSA to establish a pilot program that builds on its existing Families on the Fly initiative, which identifies ways to make the security screening process easier for adults traveling with children 12 years of age and under. Through this initiative, the TSA is establishing dedicated lines reserved for families, giving them more space, time, and flexibility at security checkpoints. Because of this program, parents are able to move through screening more smoothly, children have a less stressful experience, and security lines operate more efficiently for everyone in the airport. Importantly, this legislation does not change TSA's screening requirements or security standards. It simply allows the agency to test practical, family friendly improvements while maintaining the same level of security that travelers expect. This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will help modernize travel experience for American families while improving efficiency at our Nation's airports. Mr. Speaker, I again thank Representative Foushee for her partnership in this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 8897.

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James R. Walkinshaw

Democrat 4:40 p.m.

“I don't have much to add. I agree with the other guy. Airports are hard for parents. I want this small program to pass to help families a little. It won't change security. Everyone should vote yes.”

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