Congress·In Committee·S. 2378
Sen. Moran Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Stop Diversion of 9/11 Airport Security Fees
SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025
Legislative Progress
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House
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Key Points
- This bipartisan bill, introduced by Senators Moran, Van Hollen, Bennet, and Boozman, demands that the 9/11 Security Fee charged on every airline ticket be used only for aviation security — not diverted to other government spending. Congress declares that using these fees for unrelated purposes "undermines public trust."
From policy text
“the use of the 9/11 Security Fee for purposes unrelated to aviation security undermines public trust and the original intent of the fee, and all proceeds from the fee should be reserved and expended solely for measures that strengthen the safety and security of the traveling public within the aviation sector”
View in full text - Starting in 2026, the bill doubles the annual deposit into the existing Aviation Security Capital Fund from $250 million to $500 million per year. This money comes from the same passenger security fees already collected, but would now stay within TSA instead of being redirected.
From policy text
“Beginning in fiscal year 2026, and for each fiscal year thereafter, the first $500,000,000 derived from fees received under section 44940(a)(1) shall be available to be deposited in the Fund under paragraph (1).”
View in full text - The bill creates an entirely new fund — the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund — with $250 million per year starting in fiscal year 2026. This money is earmarked for buying, installing, and maintaining the latest screening equipment at airport checkpoints and exit lanes.
From policy text
“the next $250,000,000 from fees received under section 44940(a)(1) shall be available to be deposited in the ASCT Fund. The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall impose the fee authorized by section 44940(a)(1) so as to collect not less than $250,000,000 in each of such fiscal years for deposit into the ASCT Fund.”
View in full text - The new checkpoint technology fund can also reimburse airports for security upgrades already completed, applying retroactively to projects started on or after January 1, 2023. This means airports that have already invested in newer screening systems could recoup some of those costs.
From policy text
“The Administrator may retroactively approve the use of grant funds under this subsection for projects to support the procurement, deployment, and sustainment of aviation security checkpoint and exit lane technology that were implemented on or after January 1, 2023.”
View in full text
Infrastructure TransportationNational Security Foreign Policy
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment
Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Jul 22, 2025Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jul 22, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025
Bill NumberS 2378
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(12)D: 4R: 8
Data Sources
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.