HYDE-SMITH BACKS BILL TO BOOST AVIATION SECURITY
Miss. Senator Cosponsors SAFEGUARDS Act to End Diversion of Airport Security Funds
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced her support for legislation to ensure revenue already being collected from the flying public is used, as intended, to improve aviation and airport security.
Hyde-Smith has cosponsored the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act (S.2378), which would end the diversion of 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF) revenues for non-security uses and instead invest those funds in airport security. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) authored the bipartisan SAFEGUARDS Act.
“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,” said Hyde-Smith, who also serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.
The $5.60 fee paid by each airline passenger for each one-way ticket is intended to be used to fund aviation security. However, more than $13 billion of the collected PSF charges have been diverted to non-security uses since 2014. To put that into context, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens millions of passengers and their luggage daily at 2,400 security lanes at 420 airports nationally.
S.2378 would advance through technology upgrades for passenger and baggage screening, security technology upgrades, and aviation security personnel support. It would allocate $500 million in PSF revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems (EDS); and set aside $250 million annually for security checkpoint technology improvements.
“Increased air travel, coupled with lack of investment in security checkpoints and aging systems, has resulted in outdated screening technology and longer security lines,” Senator Moran said. “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 airlines and air transportation groups support the SAFEGUARDS Act, including the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America, American Association of Airport Executives, Airports Council International – North America, Southwest Airlines, and others.
“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 with the U.S. Travel Association. “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. 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 CEO Nick Calio said.
S.2378 has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. It is also cosponsored by U.S. 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.).
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