Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) to ensure airline passenger security fees are used for aviation security projects has unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 (H.R. 8770) would require revenue generated by the Transportation Security Administration’s 9/11 Passenger Security Fee to be reinvested in airport security improvements instead of being diverted to unrelated federal spending.
The fee, currently $5.60 on every one-way airline ticket, was created to fund aviation security enhancements following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. According to Strong’s office, roughly $15 billion collected through the fee has been redirected to non-security purposes since 2014.
“The SAFEGUARDS Act is about restoring accountability and keeping a promise to the American traveling public,” Strong said. “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.”
Strong said continued investment is necessary as threats to aviation evolve.
“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,” he said.
The legislation would dedicate $500 million annually to expand the use of explosive detection systems for checked baggage and $250 million annually for security checkpoint technology upgrades at airports across the country.
Strong said the bill would help ensure passenger fees are spent as intended.
“House passage of this legislation helps ensure those resources are directed toward their intended purpose, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it across the finish line,” he said.
The measure has drawn support from a broad coalition of aviation organizations, including Huntsville International Airport, Airlines for America, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, the U.S. Travel Association, Airport Council International–North America and the American Association of Airport Executives.
The bill passed the House unanimously and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
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