Republican members of the House Committee on Homeland Security introduced legislation to mandate revenue collected on airline tickets be spent on aviation and airport security.
The “Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act,” or SAFEGUARDS Act, would mandate that the revenue collected through Transportation Security Administration’s 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF) is dedicated to bolstering security at airports and for aviation systems.
Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, chair of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, the legislation codifies that the estimated $5.60 fee for a one-way plane ticket be spent on passenger security efforts. The legislation is 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).
“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,” Strong said.
Since 2013, legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) diverted one third of the revenue generated by PSF to the U.S. Office of the Treasury for deficit reduction, as part of a compromise to avert a government shutdown. That legislation passed in 2014 as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act. The diversion means roughly $15 billion in PSF revenue is diverted away from the TSA instead of being used to invest in passenger security for which it was intended.
The legislation is supported by a number of airlines and aviation-related groups including Airlines for America (A4A), U.S. Travel Association, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, the American Association of Airport Executives and others.
“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 said in a statement.