U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, has announced her support for the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act (S.2378). The bill seeks to ensure that revenue collected from airline passengers through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee is used exclusively to improve aviation and airport security.
The SAFEGUARDS Act, authored by Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), aims to stop the diversion of these fees for non-security purposes. Since 2014, more than $13 billion in passenger security fee charges have been used for other government spending instead of airport security upgrades. The current fee stands at $5.60 per one-way ticket, which was originally intended to fund aviation security measures.
“Diverting of 9/11 passenger fees from their intended use ultimately weakens airport security and diminishes the flying experience for passengers and airport workers alike. It’s time to make sure these fees are spent to enhance security at large and small airports,” Hyde-Smith said.
The bill proposes annual allocations from PSF revenue: $500 million would go toward checked bag explosive detection systems, while $250 million would be set aside for improvements in security checkpoint technology. These investments are expected to modernize screening processes at airports across the country.
Senator Moran commented on the need for this legislation: “Increased air travel, coupled with lack of investment in security checkpoints and aging systems, has resulted in outdated screening technology and longer security lines.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.”
Several industry groups back the SAFEGUARDS Act, including Airlines for America, American Association of Airport Executives, Airports Council International – North America, Southwest Airlines, and others.
Tori Barnes with the U.S. Travel Association stated: “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. 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.”
Airlines for America CEO Nick Calio added: “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. 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.”
The SAFEGUARDS Act has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. It is cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).
