A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced legislation aimed at ensuring that revenue from the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee is used exclusively for aviation and airport security improvements. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) are sponsoring the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act.
Currently, airline passengers pay a $5.60 fee per one-way ticket, intended to fund aviation security measures. However, since 2014, more than $13 billion of these collected fees have been diverted to other government uses unrelated to security. The new bill seeks to stop this diversion and direct the funds back into airport security enhancements.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens millions of travelers each day across 2,400 security lanes at 420 airports nationwide.
“Ensuring that our airline security personnel have the most modern and effective tools and resources available to keep travelers safe is critical,” said Boozman. “I am pleased to work with my colleagues to ensure fees collected for the express purpose of bolstering aviation security are utilized appropriately on the primary mission to protect passengers and improve operational efficiency.”
“Airline travel hit record highs during the Fourth of July holiday, and with every purchased ticket, passengers paid a mandatory fee that was originally created to support the safety of air travel,” said Moran. “Increased air travel, coupled with lack of investment in security checkpoints and aging systems, has resulted in outdated screening technology and longer security lines. This legislation would return the passenger security fees to their original intent of making U.S. air travel as safe and efficient as possible by investing the collected fees in deploying new technology to maintain a safe flying experience.”
“Upgrading our airport screening technology is a matter of both safety and efficiency,” said Van Hollen. “This bill will direct existing federal funds toward investing in modern baggage screening systems that help keep travelers safe – while providing a better travel experience at America’s airports.”
“Our first duty is to ensure the safety of the American people,” said Bennet. “As tens of millions of travelers pass through Colorado’s airports every year, it is essential to continuously improve security screening and safety measures. This legislation ensures that resources meant to modernize our airports and keep Americans safe at every checkpoint are used as intended.”
If enacted, the SAFEGUARDS Act would allocate $500 million annually from PSF revenue for checked bag explosive detection systems (EDS) and set aside $250 million each year for improvements in checkpoint technology, including upgrades at exit lanes.
Industry groups expressed support for the measure. Todd Hauptli, President and CEO of American Association of Airport Executives, stated: “AAAE appreciates Senators Moran, Van Hollen, Boozman and Bennet’s leadership to end the diversion of security fees paid by air travelers and prioritize critical investments in upgrading technology in use at the nation’s airports. Passengers in Kansas and across the country stand to benefit from enhanced security, efficiency, and reliability that will result from passage of this important legislation, and we urge its quick adoption.”
Kevin M. Burke, President & CEO of Airports Council International – North America added: “ACI-NA and its member airports remain committed to ensuring that America’s aviation system is safe, secure, and efficient for all users. We applaud Senators Moran, Van Hollen, Boozman and Bennet for introducing this important legislation that would provide TSA with dedicated resources to deploy next-generation screening technologies. As passenger volumes continue to grow and TSA’s technology procurement lags behind operational needs, this bill offers a critical boost to help the agency meet its core mission of screening passengers and baggage effectively and efficiently.”
Southwest Airlines Vice President for Safety & Security David Hunt commented: “This bill would enable the TSA to invest in modern security equipment that will make passenger and baggage screening systems more efficient and reliable. Southwest strongly supports investing security fees in technologies that will benefit our customers no matter where they travel.”
U.S Travel Association Executive Vice President Tori Barnes noted: “Despite travelers paying the 9/11 Security Fee on every U.S flight to improve aviation security; that funding continues to be diverted… Sens Moran; Van Hollen; Boozman; Bennet’s legislation would expedite game-changing screening technology… Without action; travelers won’t be able carry larger liquids through TSA checkpoints another 20 years… U.S Travel strongly supports bill modernize aviation finally give Americans travel system deserve.”
Smiths Detection Vice President Kevin Schmidt said: “The SAFEGUARDS Act will be essential combating evolving threats nation’s traveling public managing surge air passenger demand… equip our airports Transportation Security Administration officers cutting-edge technology safeguard homeland improve travel experience… end diversion Passenger Security Fee which has diverted over $19 billion spending national security General Treasury… smart strategic investment America’s safety leadership.”
Airlines for America CEO Nick Calio remarked: “The SAFEGUARDS Act is common-sense legislation returns fees travelers pay original intended purpose improving facilitation travelers… Making smart investments advanced technology streamline efficiencies keep secure make system even more secure… ready welcome world historic decade major events including 2026 FIFA World Cup America 250 well as 2028 Olympic Paralympic Games…”
Travelers United also supports this legislation.
More information about recent trends shows an increase in air traveler numbers during peak periods such as holidays like July Fourth—a factor contributing further pressure on current airport infrastructure.
The full text of this proposed law can be found online.
