WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday passed legislation sponsored by Congressman Dale Strong to steer air travel security fees to boost airport screening capabilities.
The bill would allocate $500 million annually in fee revenue to checked bag explosive detection systems and $250 million toward checkpoint technology improvements.
“This will help modernize screening capabilities, strengthen security operations, and ensure our aviation system remains prepared to meet current and future threats,” Strong, R-Huntsville, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, said.
After the Sept. 11 attacks, Congress created TSA and the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee to help fund nationwide aviation security improvements. Now, when booking an airline ticket, every passenger pays a $5.60 fee per one-way flight.
But in 2013, a new federal law directed about $1 billion of those collected passenger fees to be diverted toward reducing the deficit instead of toward TSA operations every year. Since then, about $15 billion of the revenue has been used for non-security purposes.
The Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act — or SAFEGUARDS Act — aims to stop that diversion. It passed the House via voice vote.
“The SAFEGUARDS Act restores accountability and (directs) this revenue this revenue back toward critical aviation security priorities following the expiration of the current fee diversion,” Strong, who serves as the chair of the Homeland Security Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee, said.
In 2025, the fees generated about $4.5 billion in revenue, according to TSA.
The bipartisan measure would ensure the revenue from the fee goes toward modernizing screening technology, upgrading baggage detection systems, and improving checkpoint efficiency.
“The SAFEGUARDS Act ensures more funding is rightfully invested in game-changing screening technology to enhance security, increase efficiency, and improve the travel experience at airports across the country,” Erik Hansen with the U.S. Travel Association, a supporter of the bill, said.
The House passage of the bill follows a busy season for TSA, with increased airline travelers and several major international events occurring on U.S. soil, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“The SAFEGUARDS Act would ensure that passenger fees are returned to their intended purpose—investing in advanced technologies that enhance the safety and efficiency of air travel across the U.S.,” Butch Roberts, CEO of Port of Huntsville/Huntsville International Airport, said. “Maintaining a modern, secure aviation system is essential.”
The legislation now heads to the Senate. A similar bill, introduced by Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., advanced out of committee in the upper chamber in April.