Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026
The House debated the SAFEGUARDS Act (H.R. 8770), which redirects revenue from the 9/11 passenger security fee into funds for TSA aviation security, increasing money available for checked baggage explosives detection equipment and creating a new fund for checkpoint screening technology. Republicans, including bill sponsor Dale Strong, said the fee revenue should be spent on airport security as passengers expect rather than diverted elsewhere, and that the bill does not raise taxes or add fees. Democrat James Walkinshaw said the goal of getting TSA newer screening equipment faster is a good one but raised concerns that the bill does not pay for the equipment and could lead to cuts in TSA workers’ pay and benefits; he said he would work with both parties to avoid unintended consequences for TSA workers. The debate stayed on the bill itself.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .
“I want the House to pass this bill. It provides money to improve security at airports.”
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8770) to amend title 49, United States Code, to establish funds for investments in aviation security, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8770) to amend title 49, United States Code, to establish funds for investments in aviation security, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
“I want the House to pass this bill. It makes sure the security fees that airline passengers pay are actually used for airport security. This money will buy better bomb-detection tools and technology to keep travelers safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act. This legislation establishes a sense of Congress that 9/11 passenger security fee revenue should be put toward TSA security screening purposes following the end of the current fee diversion at the end of fiscal year 2027. Additionally, this bill directs funds collected from this fee to modernize and sustain explosive detection systems and technology at TSA security checkpoints beginning in fiscal year 2028. The SAFEGUARDS Act will strengthen aviation security by ensuring passenger security fee revenue is used for its intended purpose: providing additional resources to protect the traveling public. I thank Representative Strong for his leadership, and I look forward to continuing our engagement on both sides of the aisle and with our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure that this bill improves deployment timelines for critical aviation security technology without any unintended consequences for the TSA workforce or any other TSA operations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act. This legislation establishes a sense of Congress that 9/11 passenger security fee revenue should be put toward TSA security screening purposes following the end of the current fee diversion at the end of fiscal year 2027. Additionally, this bill directs funds collected from this fee to modernize and sustain explosive detection systems and technology at TSA security checkpoints beginning in fiscal year 2028. The SAFEGUARDS Act will strengthen aviation security by ensuring passenger security fee revenue is used for its intended purpose: providing additional resources to protect the traveling public. I thank Representative Strong for his leadership, and I look forward to continuing our engagement on both sides of the aisle and with our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure that this bill improves deployment timelines for critical aviation security technology without any unintended consequences for the TSA workforce or any other TSA operations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
“This bill helps TSA buy newer airport screening equipment faster. That is a good goal, but the bill does not pay for this new equipment. I worry it will lead to pay and benefit cuts for TSA workers. We must support the workers who use this equipment, not just buy new machines.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, since the Transportation Security Administration was created after the 9/11 attacks, the agency has been working to deploy the latest innovative security screening technology to ensure prohibited items carried inside bags and on individuals do not make it past a security checkpoint and onto an aircraft. However, with thousands of TSA screening lanes across the country in need of technology, Congress has at times struggled to provide funding to recapitalize technology expeditiously across all airports. H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act, would ensure there are increased dedicated funds available to TSA to procure the latest screening technology so that the agency can replace aging technology deployed at airports at a more rapid pace. Although speeding up the deployment of new screening technology is an important goal, I do have some reservations about the bill. The increased investments in technology are not paid for, and I am concerned that these increases could result in cuts to funding for TSA workforce salaries and benefits if TSA’s overall budget does not increase. Although the bill does contain language reinforcing the sense of Congress that diversions of passenger security fees away from TSA’s coffers should end, the bill does not actually do anything to end those diversions sooner than already scheduled under current law or otherwise to bring in more money to TSA. House Democrats have long been supportive of investments in new and innovative security technologies, but we must also make sure that we are supporting the workforce that operates those technologies. To start, the House should take up Ranking Member Thompson’s bill, H.R. 2086, the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act, which would codify fair pay and collective bargaining rights for this critical workforce. This bill has more than 185 bipartisan cosponsors, and the Republican majority should bring it to this floor. In the meantime, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as our colleagues in the Senate, to ensure that the SAFEGUARDS Act, if enacted, drives investments in technology without causing cuts to pay, benefits, or staffing at TSA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, since the Transportation Security Administration was created after the 9/11 attacks, the agency has been working to deploy the latest innovative security screening technology to ensure prohibited items carried inside bags and on individuals do not make it past a security checkpoint and onto an aircraft. However, with thousands of TSA screening lanes across the country in need of technology, Congress has at times struggled to provide funding to recapitalize technology expeditiously across all airports. H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act, would ensure there are increased dedicated funds available to TSA to procure the latest screening technology so that the agency can replace aging technology deployed at airports at a more rapid pace. Although speeding up the deployment of new screening technology is an important goal, I do have some reservations about the bill. The increased investments in technology are not paid for, and I am concerned that these increases could result in cuts to funding for TSA workforce salaries and benefits if TSA’s overall budget does not increase. Although the bill does contain language reinforcing the sense of Congress that diversions of passenger security fees away from TSA’s coffers should end, the bill does not actually do anything to end those diversions sooner than already scheduled under current law or otherwise to bring in more money to TSA. House Democrats have long been supportive of investments in new and innovative security technologies, but we must also make sure that we are supporting the workforce that operates those technologies. To start, the House should take up Ranking Member Thompson’s bill, H.R. 2086, the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act, which would codify fair pay and collective bargaining rights for this critical workforce. This bill has more than 185 bipartisan cosponsors, and the Republican majority should bring it to this floor. In the meantime, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as our colleagues in the Senate, to ensure that the SAFEGUARDS Act, if enacted, drives investments in technology without causing cuts to pay, benefits, or staffing at TSA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It makes sure the security fees people pay on plane tickets are actually spent on airport security, not on other things. It does not raise taxes or add new fees. It uses that money to buy better screening equipment to keep travelers safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the SAFEGUARDS Act. When Americans purchase an airline ticket, they pay a passenger security fee with an expectation that those dollars will be used to strengthen aviation security. That is what Congress intended when the fee was created, and that is exactly what this bill restores. For years, revenue from the passenger security fee has been directed away from its intended purpose. Meanwhile, our airports continue to face evolving threats and increasing demand on the systems and technologies that help keep travelers safe. The SAFEGUARDS Act restores accountability by directing this revenue back toward critical aviation security priorities following the expiration of the current fee diversion. This legislation invests $500 million annually in checked baggage screening technology and $250 million annually in checkpoint technology upgrades. This will help modernize screening capability, strengthen security operations, and ensure our aviation system remains prepared to meet current and future threats. Let me be clear. This is not a new fee that will be placed on flyers, and it does not raise taxes. The SAFEGUARDS Act simply ensures that the fees travelers currently pay are used for their original purpose and in line with the expectation of the traveling public. Anytime a fee is collected from the American people, it should be carefully scrutinized. I take that responsibility seriously, which is why, when I examined the intent of this fee, I first asked whether the original purpose behind it remains important today. I believe it does. The fee was established in the aftermath of September 11, one of the darkest days in our Nation’s history. In the years that followed, Congress recognized that maintaining a safe and secure aviation system would require a long-term commitment to aviation security and continued investments in the technologies that help protect the traveling public. The passenger security fee was created to support that mission, and travelers have paid it with the expectation that those dollars would be used to strengthen aviation security. I am proud to reaffirm our commitment to the traveling public today with this bill. The SAFEGUARDS Act is about restoring trust, improving transparency and accountability, and ensuring the aviation security dollars are spent on aviation security. I am proud that this legislation has earned bipartisan support and the backing of airports, airlines, and the travel organizations across the country. I want to thank Chairman Garbarino for his leadership and support in advancing this legislation. I also want to thank Mr. Kennedy of New York for partnering with me on this effort, as well as my colleagues who have joined as cosponsors. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the SAFEGUARDS Act.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the SAFEGUARDS Act. When Americans purchase an airline ticket, they pay a passenger security fee with an expectation that those dollars will be used to strengthen aviation security. That is what Congress intended when the fee was created, and that is exactly what this bill restores. For years, revenue from the passenger security fee has been directed away from its intended purpose. Meanwhile, our airports continue to face evolving threats and increasing demand on the systems and technologies that help keep travelers safe. The SAFEGUARDS Act restores accountability by directing this revenue back toward critical aviation security priorities following the expiration of the current fee diversion. This legislation invests $500 million annually in checked baggage screening technology and $250 million annually in checkpoint technology upgrades. This will help modernize screening capability, strengthen security operations, and ensure our aviation system remains prepared to meet current and future threats. Let me be clear. This is not a new fee that will be placed on flyers, and it does not raise taxes. The SAFEGUARDS Act simply ensures that the fees travelers currently pay are used for their original purpose and in line with the expectation of the traveling public. Anytime a fee is collected from the American people, it should be carefully scrutinized. I take that responsibility seriously, which is why, when I examined the intent of this fee, I first asked whether the original purpose behind it remains important today. I believe it does. The fee was established in the aftermath of September 11, one of the darkest days in our Nation’s history. In the years that followed, Congress recognized that maintaining a safe and secure aviation system would require a long-term commitment to aviation security and continued investments in the technologies that help protect the traveling public. The passenger security fee was created to support that mission, and travelers have paid it with the expectation that those dollars would be used to strengthen aviation security. I am proud to reaffirm our commitment to the traveling public today with this bill. The SAFEGUARDS Act is about restoring trust, improving transparency and accountability, and ensuring the aviation security dollars are spent on aviation security. I am proud that this legislation has earned bipartisan support and the backing of airports, airlines, and the travel organizations across the country. I want to thank Chairman Garbarino for his leadership and support in advancing this legislation. I also want to thank Mr. Kennedy of New York for partnering with me on this effort, as well as my colleagues who have joined as cosponsors. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the SAFEGUARDS Act.
“I want Congress to pass this bill. It makes sure the security fee on plane tickets goes straight to airport security and better screening tools instead of other things.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the SAFEGUARDS Act of which I am a proud original cosponsor. As my colleagues mentioned, this bill ensures that all revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee are invested back into aviation and airport security consistent with the fee’s original intent. Just last year, this $5.60 fee on your plane ticket brought in over $4.5 billion from U.S. passengers. The upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11 reminds us how important it is to use those resources to strengthen our national security systems today to prevent future tragedies tomorrow. My district also borders Denver International Airport. Thousands of airport, airline, and TSA employees in that airport are my constituents--the third busiest in the Nation. To keep them and all U.S. passengers safe, it is critical that TSA receives every dollar possible to properly update security screening equipment and stop emerging threats. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan bill.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the SAFEGUARDS Act of which I am a proud original cosponsor. As my colleagues mentioned, this bill ensures that all revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee are invested back into aviation and airport security consistent with the fee’s original intent. Just last year, this $5.60 fee on your plane ticket brought in over $4.5 billion from U.S. passengers. The upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11 reminds us how important it is to use those resources to strengthen our national security systems today to prevent future tragedies tomorrow. My district also borders Denver International Airport. Thousands of airport, airline, and TSA employees in that airport are my constituents--the third busiest in the Nation. To keep them and all U.S. passengers safe, it is critical that TSA receives every dollar possible to properly update security screening equipment and stop emerging threats. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan bill.
“I support this bill because it gives TSA workers better safety tools faster to protect travelers. I want to work with both parties to make sure it does not harm TSA workers.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8770 will help ensure TSA’s frontline staff get more of the tools they need to keep travelers safe, and at a faster pace. I look forward to working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure there are no unintended consequences for TSA’s workforce if this bill becomes law. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8770 will help ensure TSA’s frontline staff get more of the tools they need to keep travelers safe, and at a faster pace. I look forward to working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure there are no unintended consequences for TSA’s workforce if this bill becomes law. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. The government takes fees from airline passengers, but much of that money is not spent on airport security. This bill makes sure that money goes directly to airport security equipment and the TSA to keep travelers safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. As you heard from my colleague from Colorado, $4.5 billion was brought in last year under the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee. What passengers don’t know is that the first $1.6 billion last year was diverted to something else other than passenger security. This bill would say the first $750 million of that passenger security fee would go directly to equipment, and then the balance of that money would go to the TSA discretionary fund, which actually would allow the TSA to get access to this money. Last year, the TSA discretionary fund didn’t have access to this money until the first $1.85 billion was spent. Now, they are going to get access, if this bill becomes law, after the first $750 million is spent on security equipment to make our traveling public safe. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8770, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Babin). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Garbarino) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8770, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. As you heard from my colleague from Colorado, $4.5 billion was brought in last year under the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee. What passengers don’t know is that the first $1.6 billion last year was diverted to something else other than passenger security. This bill would say the first $750 million of that passenger security fee would go directly to equipment, and then the balance of that money would go to the TSA discretionary fund, which actually would allow the TSA to get access to this money. Last year, the TSA discretionary fund didn’t have access to this money until the first $1.85 billion was spent. Now, they are going to get access, if this bill becomes law, after the first $750 million is spent on security equipment to make our traveling public safe. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8770, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Babin). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Garbarino) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8770, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
