Testimony of Ha Nguyen McNeill, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration on 'Fiscal Year 2027 Budget for the[...]

Introduction

Chairman Amodei, Ranking Member Cuellar, and Members of the Subcommittee. Thank you for the invitation to testify before you today on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). I am honored to be here and grateful for the longstanding and productive partnership TSA shares with this Subcommittee.

I would like to start by thanking TSA's employees for their unrelenting efforts, day in and day out, to secure the Nation's transportation systems. The government shutdowns in FY 2026 have resulted in nearly $1 billion in delayed paychecks. Due to our national security mission, 95 percent of our workforce was required to work without pay during the multiple shutdowns, causing great strain and financial hardship. Despite the enormous challenges the shutdowns caused, the majority of our workforce continues to show up to work each and every day to carry out our important mission. I would also like to thank President Trump for his continued support of TSA and leadership through the national emergency caused by the shutdown to ensure the TSA workforce received their paychecks without further delay.

Around 99 percent of the TSA workforce operates outside of the National Capital Region, working across the country, living within your districts and communities. Congress and the traveling public should be proud of the excellent job the TSA workforce does to protect our national security. Paying these dedicated employees for the work they perform should never again be a point of debate.

Strategic Priorities & Modernization

Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Mullin, TSA is laser-focused on delivering for the American people by leveraging public-private partnerships-creating a seamless and secure traveler experience, enhancing hospitality at the checkpoint, and modernizing transportation security-to usher in President Trump's vision for a Golden Age of Travel in America.

TSA needs Congress to fund the FY 2027 President's Budget request to ensure we are resourced effectively to provide a superior travel experience for all passengers. TSA's total budget request for FY 2027 is $11.7 billion and prioritizes technology investment, sustaining critical operations, and embracing government efficiency.

Investing in Modernizing Security Technology

Accelerating the modernization of TSA's security screening technology is critical to enable the agency to keep pace with evolving threats, manage increasing passenger volumes, and enhance security and checkpoint efficiencies, while providing a more seamless, less intrusive passenger experience. By combining cutting-edge screening technology with human talent, TSA will strengthen security and remain vigilant against the challenges of the future. The FY 2027 Budget provides over $390 million in aviation screening technology to enhance security and improve the passenger experience, while addressing increasing passenger demand and evolving threats. This includes funding for Checkpoint Property Screening System (CPSS) and Computed Tomography (CT) technology, Credential Authentication Technology, e-gates, emerging alarm resolution technologies, checkpoint automation, on-person detection, and next-generation Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT).

Ending the Diversion of the Aviation Security Passenger Fee

Over the past several years, Congress has diverted approximately $1.6 billion in Aviation Security Passenger Fee revenue each year for deficit-reduction purposes. The President's FY 2027 Budget resubmits a legislative proposal to eliminate the deficit-reduction contributions and directs Passenger Security Fee amounts toward their intended purpose of bolstering TSA aviation screening operations.

Enhancing Public-Private Partnerships

TSA's mission is supported by critical public-private partnerships. The Trump Administration, DHS, and TSA are strongly committed to working more collaboratively with industry stakeholders than ever before, utilizing their expertise and efficiency, to strengthen aviation security and improve the passenger experience. As we prepare for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America's 250th Anniversary, and the 2028 Olympics, we are working to transform security operations through coordinated planning and stakeholder collaboration. TSA has always viewed that the security of the transportation sector is a shared responsibility with our stakeholders and continues to leverage that partnership to provide the best travel experience.

Screening Partnership Program

The Screening Partnership Program (SPP) is an excellent example of TSA's successful coordination with the private sector. SPP allows TSA to contract with qualified private companies to provide personnel to perform security screening operations at commercial airports. The FY 2027 Budget includes an increase of $477 million to allow small airports to enroll in the SPP. TSA is working closely with Congressional and industry partners to modernize SPP, to incentivize airports and industry to drive greater capital into checkpoints and checked baggage screening and to optimize security operations, while maintaining the Agency's rigorous regulatory oversight and outcome-based security standards. Our work to modernize SPP underscores our efforts to utilize partnerships to improve security and travel at commercial airports.

One-Stop Security Program

The One-Stop Security (OSS) pilot program is done in collaboration with interagency, industry, and international partners to significantly improve security and the travel experience. The FY 2027 Budget continues support of OSS. Under authorities granted by Congress, TSA is advancing the OSS pilot program to revolutionize travel under the highest security standards. OSS improves international aviation security, streamlines the transfer process for passengers inbound to the United States with connecting flights, and eliminates the need for passengers and their bags to go through screening again. Last summer, the first OSS pilot location at London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) demonstrated immediate success for all stakeholders. Currently, there are eight OSS flights per day from LHR into Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), saving each OSS passenger up to two hours that he or she can now use to relax, shop, and dine at the airport.

Renewing Focus on Core Mission and Serving the American Taxpayer

Identity verification is the linchpin to TSA's layered approach to security to ensure that a passenger's identity document (ID) is valid, and that he or she receives the appropriate level of screening to keep bad actors from boarding planes.

Security Effectiveness and Identity Verification

Under the leadership of President Trump, since May 2025, TSA has fully enforced its statutory requirements under the REAL ID Act of 2005. The legislation was enacted in response to the 9/11 Commission Report recommendations aimed at combatting fraudulent identity documents (IDs) and ensuring passengers are who they say they are. As the 9/11 Commission Report stated, "For terrorists, travel documents are as important as weapons." This Administration acted swiftly to enforce the law to ensure TSA maintains the highest standards of aviation security for the American taxpayer and traveler.

Currently, most travelers (about 98 percent) present either a REAL ID-compliant or another acceptable form of ID. TSA ConfirmID is a new modernized alternative identity verification system to enhance and streamline identity verification for travelers that do not have an acceptable form of ID. Travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at TSA checkpoints and still want to fly have the option of paying a $45 fee and undergoing the ConfirmID process. The fee ensures that the cost to cover the verification of an unacceptable ID will be borne by the non-compliant traveler, not the American taxpayer, and prevents malign actors from boarding a plane. TSA will continue to enforce REAL ID and ConfirmID to ensure robust traveler vetting and that we are upholding the highest standards of identity verification.

Conclusion

Today, TSA is at a strategic crossroads. With continued support from Congress and industry partners, a screening process that is more efficient, technologically integrated, secure, and affordable to the American taxpayer is within our grasp.

As the longest shutdown in history continues, TSA implores the House to pass the Senate DHS funding bill and work expeditiously to enact a second reconciliation measure by June 1 to provide sustained funding to ICE and Border Patrol.

Chairman Amodei, Ranking Member Cuellar, and distinguished members of the Subcommittee, it is a privilege to testify before you today. Thank you for your support of TSA, and I look forward to your questions.