Sunflower State News

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) have introduced the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee is used to strengthen aviation and airport security.

Currently, airline passengers pay a $5.60 fee per one-way ticket, which was intended to fund aviation security measures. However, since 2014, more than $13 billion of these fees have been redirected to non-security purposes. The SAFEGUARDS Act seeks to end this diversion and direct the funds back into airport security initiatives.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens millions of passengers and their luggage daily at 2,400 security lanes across 420 airports in the United States.

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 “Increased air travel, coupled with lack of investment in security checkpoints and aging systems, has resulted in outdated screening technology and longer security lines.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

Senator Van Hollen stated: “Upgrading our airport screening technology is a matter of both safety and efficiency. 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."

Senator Boozman commented: “Ensuring that our airline security personnel have the most modern and effective tools and resources available to keep travelers safe is critical. 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.” 

Senator Bennet added: "Our first duty is to ensure the safety of the American people. 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 proposes allocating $500 million annually from PSF revenue for checked bag explosive detection systems, as well as setting aside $250 million each year for improvements in checkpoint technology, including exit lanes.

Industry groups have expressed support for ending the diversion of these funds. One statement read: “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.” Another added: “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.”

ACI-NA also weighed in: “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.”

Southwest Airlines stated: "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."

A representative from U.S. Travel noted: "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."

Smiths Detection commented: “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 Transportation Security Administration’s officers with cutting-edge technology... Further, SAFEGUARDS Act will end diversion... which has diverted over $19 billion from spending on national security...”

Airlines for America also expressed support: “The SAFEGUARDS Act is common-sense legislation that returns...fees...to their original...purpose: improving security... Making smart investments...will streamline efficiencies...and make our aviation system even more secure... Airlines for America commends Chairman Moran...for their leadership on this legislation.”