PASSED: Committee Approves Sen. Moran’s Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Airport Security

Office of Senator Jerry Moran

Graphic from the Office of Senator Jerry Moran

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation – applauded today’s committee passage of the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act, which he introduced with Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). The bipartisan legislation would make certain revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF) is invested in bolstering aviation and airport security. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

“Today’s committee passage of the SAFEGUARDS Act is a step towards strengthening airport security and better protecting the traveling public,” said Sen. Moran. “Each time Americans purchase an airline ticket, they pay a mandatory fee that was originally created to support the safety of American air travel. This legislation returns passenger security fees to their original intent of investing in new technology to help bolster the safety and efficiency of U.S. air travel. I look forward to the passage of this important aviation safety legislation by the full Senate.”

The SAFEGUARDS Act is also cosponsored by Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), James Risch (R-Idaho) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Airline passengers currently pay a fee of $5.60 per each one-way ticket, intended to be used to fund aviation security. Since 2014, more than $13 billion of the collected fees have been diverted to non-security uses, and this legislation invests these fees back into airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens millions of passengers and their luggage daily – providing services at 2,400 security lanes at the nation's 420 airports.

The SAFEGUARDS Act would:

• Allocate $400 million in PSF revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems (EDS);

• Provide an initial $400 million investment, then collect $250 million annually for checkpoint technology improvements, including at exit lanes; and

• Include a 10-year authorization of the program, with annual reports to Congress and an Office of Inspector General (OIG) report.

“Ending the revenue diversion of the 9/11 Security Fee is long overdue, and establishing a grant program funded by these monies for the purpose of supporting airports in expanding and enhancing their security programs is a tremendous step forward that I wholeheartedly support,” said Jesse Romo, Director of Airports, Wichita Airport Authority.

“The development and utilization of technology to enhance aviation security screening is a fundamental objective,” said Brandon Keazer, Airport Director, Manhattan Regional Airport. “This legislation supports that, by ending the revenue diversion of the 9/11 security fee and allowing airports an opportunity to obtain funding to enhance their security measures, which I strongly support.”

"Despite travelers paying the 9/11 Security Fee on every U.S. flight to improve aviation security, that funding continues to be diverted to pay for unrelated government spending — resulting in a tax on American travelers that has severely delayed critical security modernization,” said Tori Barnes, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association. “Sens. Moran, Van Hollen, Boozman and Bennet's legislation would expedite game-changing screening technology to airports across the country — building on DHS's recent ‘shoes off’ policy change to enhance security, increase efficiency, and improve the travel experience. Without action, travelers won't be able to carry larger liquids through TSA checkpoints for another 20 years. That's why U.S. Travel strongly supports the bill to modernize aviation security and finally give Americans the travel system they deserve."

“The SAFEGUARDS Act is common-sense legislation that returns the fees that travelers pay for security to their original, intended purpose: improving security and facilitation for travelers,” said Nick Calio, CEO, Airlines for America. “Making smart investments in advanced technology security checkpoints and checked baggage systems in airports across America will streamline efficiencies, keep travelers safe and make our aviation system even more secure. All of this will help ensure that the U.S. is ready to welcome the world for a historic decade of major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250, as well as the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Airlines for America commends Chairman Moran and Senators Van Hollen, Boozman and Bennet for their leadership on this legislation.”

The legislation is also supported by Southwest Airlines, American Association of Airport Executives, Airports Council International – North America, Smiths Detection and Travelers United.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.