GBTA Applauds U.S. Passage of Legislation to Strengthen Security and Improve Passenger Experience

GBTA today welcomed the U.S. House of Representative's passage of a bipartisan package of aviation security and travel facilitation bills, including the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 and the One Stop Pilot Program Extension Act, legislation that strengthens Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations and improves the passenger experience across the aviation system.

These measures address challenges that GBTA members continue to raise with increasing urgency, including checkpoint congestion, staffing constraints and inefficiencies in the international travel process. As travel demand continues to grow, modernizing aviation security and improving throughput at U.S. airports is essential to maintaining system reliability and supporting business travel.

The SAFEGUARDS Act would restore the 9/11 passenger security fee to its intended purpose-funding aviation security-helping ensure TSA has the resources needed to meet evolving operational demands. GBTA has long pushed against the diversion of these security fees and is pleased to see the House take action to restore their intended use. The One Stop Pilot Program Extension Act would allow TSA to expand and continue testing international agreements that eliminate redundant passenger screening for travelers arriving from airports that meet TSA-equivalent security standards. Together, these efforts improve efficiency while maintaining the highest levels of aviation security.

"Our members manage travel for millions of global employees and rely on a system that is both secure and efficient," said Suzanne Neufang, Chief Executive Officer of GBTA. "These bills take important steps toward modernizing aviation security, reducing unnecessary delays and ensuring a more seamless travel experience. We are encouraged by the strong bipartisan support behind this package and appreciate Congress' focus on solutions that strengthen the system for business travelers and the traveling public alike."

GBTA continues to engage with Members of Congress and key stakeholders on these issues and has consistently emphasized the need for policies that improve checkpoint efficiency, support TSA personnel and promote international harmonization of security standards. GBTA will continue working with the U.S. Senate to advance these measures into law and support policies that strengthen the safety, consistency and performance of the U.S. aviation system.