Keep Air Travel Safe Act
Congress Proposes Bill to Keep TSA Funded and Airports Running During Government Shutdowns
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill ensures that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stays funded and operational even if the federal government shuts down. It aims to prevent the travel chaos and security risks that often happen when airport security workers are forced to work without a paycheck.
- If a shutdown occurs, the TSA would receive automatic funding for up to 180 days. This money would come from leftover funds from a previous law, ensuring that security checkpoints stay open and staff members continue to get paid on time.
- The funding would be set at the same levels as the previous year. This means the TSA can continue all its normal activities, including screening passengers and baggage, without needing a new budget bill to be passed immediately.
- This policy matters to everyday Americans because it helps prevent long lines and flight cancellations during political standoffs in Washington. It protects the roughly 50,000 TSA employees and the millions of passengers who fly every day.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
TSA employs roughly 50,000 workers who are typically forced to work without pay during government shutdowns. This bill would ensure they continue receiving their paychecks by automatically funding TSA operations for up to 180 days during any lapse in appropriations, sparing these workers from the financial hardship of missed paychecks during political standoffs.
Broader Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
Senate GOP kicks off plan to end-run Democrats on immigration
Mullin says DHS will be unable to pay salaries starting in May
Senate Republicans unveil immigration funding framework as DHS shutdown drags on
GOP's filibuster-proof bill to fund ICE expected in Senate early next week
Funding effort for ICE, Border Patrol could begin in Senate next week, majority leader says
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Keep Air Travel Safe Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(28)Political Response
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.