Rep. Strong Introduces SAFEGUARDS Act to Stop Diversion of 9/11 Airport Security Fees
The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It was recently introduced and sent to the House Committee on Homeland Security for review. The bill is actively moving forward as it waits for the committee to discuss its contents.
The bill has bipartisan support and addresses a popular issue, but it must compete with other budget priorities that currently rely on those diverted fees.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Security technology companies and small businesses in the aviation security sector could see new contract opportunities from $250 million per year in dedicated checkpoint technology spending. The fund specifically covers testing, procurement, deployment, and installation of new equipment, creating a predictable pipeline of government contracts for firms that make screening devices and related technology.
“Amounts in the ASCT Fund shall be available until expended to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to fund the testing, procurement, deployment, installation, and sustainment of aviation security checkpoint technology.”
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 641.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-737.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 3.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Discharged
Sen. Jerry Moran discusses the SAFEGUARDS Act, which aims to end the diversion of the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee to general spending. The bill reinvests these funds into modernized screening equipment and improved detection capabilities to strengthen aviation security.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong introduced the bipartisan SAFEGUARDS Act to ensure 9/11 Passenger Security Fees are used for aviation security rather than deficit reduction. The bill allocates $500 million for checked baggage systems and $250 million for checkpoint technology upgrades.
Analysis of the House Homeland Security Committee hearing on TSA modernization, highlighting the introduction of the SAFEGUARDS Act. The bill seeks to end the diversion of over $13 billion in security fees to non-security purposes since 2014 to fund next-generation screening technology.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026
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