Van Hollen, Moran, Boozman, Bennet Introduce Bill to Bolster Aviation Safety

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation, John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act to make certain revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF) is invested in bolstering aviation and airport security.

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 ends that diversion and 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.

“Upgrading our airport screening technology is a matter of both safety and efficiency,” said Sen. 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.”

“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 Sen. 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 “Increased air travel, coupled with lack of investment in security checkpoints and aging systems, has resulted in outdated screening technology and longer security lines.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.”

“Ensuring that our airline security personnel have the most modern and effective tools and resources available to keep travelers safe is critical,” said Sen. 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.”

"Our first duty is to ensure the safety of the American people," said Sen. 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."

The SAFEGUARDS Act would:

• Allocate $500 million in PSF revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems (EDS); and
• Sets aside $250 million annually for checkpoint technology improvements, including at exit lanes.

“Ending the revenue diversion of the 911 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,” – Jesse Romo, Director of Airports, Wichita Airport Authority

“The development and utilization of technology to enhance aviation security screening is a fundamental objective. This legislation supports that, by ending the revenue diversion of the 911 security fee and allowing airports an opportunity to obtain funding to enhance their security measures, which I strongly support.” – Brandon Keazer, Airport Director, Manhattan Regional Airport

“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.” – Todd Hauptli, President and CEO, American Association of Airport Executives

“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.” – Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO, Airports Council International – North America

"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." – David Hunt, Vice President for Safety and Security, Southwest Airlines

"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. 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." – Tori Barnes, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association

“The SAFEGUARDS Act will be essential to combating evolving threats to the nation’s traveling public and managing a surge in air passenger demand. Smiths Detection supports this critical piece of legislation to equip our airports and the Transportation Security Administration’s officers with cutting-edge technology to safeguard the homeland and improve the travel experience. Further, the SAFEGUARDS Act will end the diversion of the Passenger Security Fee, which has diverted over $19 billion from spending on national security to the US General Treasury. This bill is a smart, strategic investment in America’s safety and leadership.” – Kevin Schmidt, Vice President of Government Relations, Smiths Detection

“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. Airlines for America commends Chairman Moran and Senators Van Hollen, Boozman and Bennet for their leadership on this legislation.” – Nick Calio, CEO, Airlines for America

This legislation is also supported by Travelers United.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.