- House passes air travel security bills.
- SAFEGUARDS Act would fund new screening equipment.
- USTA called the bills “common-sense reform.”
THE U.S. HOUSE of Representatives recently passed three bills aimed at improving air travel security. The U.S. Travel Association says the legislation, if made law, will benefit the travel industry and the economy in general.
The three bills include the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act, The Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act and the One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act. Each one addresses different aspects of air travel security.
The SAFEGUARDS Act would allocate funds from the passenger security fee charged by Transportation Security Administration on air travelers originating from U.S. airports to pay for checked baggage explosives detection equipment and security checkpoint technology.
The bill requires that the first $500 million in fees collected each fiscal year be deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund, a $250 million increase. This fund covers in-line baggage screening systems to accommodate checked baggage explosives detection equipment and certain other airport security improvements.
The bill also requires that the next $250 million collected in each fiscal year be deposited into a new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund for the costs of acquiring, installing and sustaining aviation security checkpoint technology.
“The SAFEGUARDS Act is about restoring accountability and keeping a promise to the American traveling public,” said U.S. Rep. Dale Strong of Alabama, one of the bill’s sponsors. “Every day, millions of passengers pass through our nation’s airports and pay a security fee with the expectation that those dollars will be used to strengthen aviation security. As threats continue to evolve, we must continue investing in the technologies and systems our airports need to maintain confidence in the safety of air travel.”
The Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act would continue a pilot program that reimburses TSA for establishing and providing screening services outside an airport terminal’s existing primary screening area for passengers. It would expand the program from eight locations to 14.
“In the 25 years since the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, both the threats facing our nation and the demands placed on our aviation system have evolved drastically,” said a sponsor of the bill, New York Rep. Andrew Garbarino. “We have a responsibility to ensure America’s aviation security can keep pace.”
The One Stop Security pilot program allows eligible passengers and their checked baggage arriving in the U.S. from certain foreign airports with connecting flights to continue without additional TSA security re-screening. The new bill extends the pilot program through Dec. 23, 2032, from the current Dec. 23, 2028.
The bill also revises the security requirements for excluding checked baggage from re-screening. It specifies that a passenger must be unable to access their checked baggage until arrival at their final destination and that U.S. Customs and Border Protection must have received timely images of the baggage from the participating foreign airport prior to a passenger’s arrival in the U.S.
“South Florida is one of the busiest international gateways in the United States, and we must keep passengers and airports moving efficiently while maintaining the highest security standards,” said Rep. Carlos Gimenez, the bill’s sponsor. “This legislation strengthens our aviation system, supports our economy, and reinforces America's leadership in secure and efficient international travel.”
Erik Hansen, USTA’s senior vice president and head of government relations, said in a statement that the bills passed by the House should become law.
"These are common-sense reforms that reflect key recommendations from the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel and move us closer to a travel system that is more secure, more efficient and better equipped to meet growing demand,” he said. “As the United States continues to host an unprecedented level of major global events, investing in smarter aviation and domestic travel processes isn't just good for travelers—it's good for America's economy and global competitiveness.”
Air travel across the country was disrupted by a partial government shutdown earlier this year. In March, the crisis ended when Congress approved funds for most of the Department of Homeland Security, including the TSA.
