Van Hollen-Led Aviation Safety Bill Secures Key Committee Approval

The bipartisan Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act, legislation led by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), was passed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The SAFEGUARDS Act, which Senator Van Hollen introduced last year alongside Senator Moran, will ensure revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF) is invested in bolstering aviation and airport security. Following this key Committee passage, the bill is eligible for consideration by the full Senate.

Airline passengers currently pay a fee of $5.60 per each one-way ticket, intended to be used to fund aviation security. Since 2014, more than $13 billion of the collected fees have been diverted to non-security uses, and this legislation invests these fees back into airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens millions of passengers and their luggage daily - providing services at 2,400 security lanes across the nation's 420 airports.

"Millions of Americans travel through our airports every day - and they deserve the safest and most efficient air travel possible. This bill will ensure that the security fees Americans pay on every ticket are used as originally intended - to invest in airport screening technology that helps keep travelers safe and provides a better travel experience at our airports. We'll continue working to get this legislation across the finish line," said Senator Van Hollen

The SAFEGUARDS Act would:

1. Allocate $400 million in PSF revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems (EDS);
2. Sets aside $250 million annually for checkpoint technology improvements, including at exit lanes; and
3. Includes a 10-year authorization of the program and requires annual reports to Congress and biennial Office of Inspector General reports.

"Despite travelers paying the 9/11 Security Fee on every U.S. flight to improve aviation security, that funding continues to be diverted to pay for unrelated government spending - resulting in a tax on American travelers that has severely delayed critical security modernization," said Tori Barnes, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association. "Sens. Moran, Van Hollen, Boozman and Bennet's legislation would expedite game-changing screening technology to airports across the country - building on DHS's recent 'shoes off' policy change to enhance security, increase efficiency, and improve the travel experience. Without action, travelers won't be able to carry larger liquids through TSA checkpoints for another 20 years. That's why U.S. Travel strongly supports the bill to modernize aviation security and finally give Americans the travel system they deserve."

"The SAFEGUARDS Act is common-sense legislation that returns the fees that travelers pay for security to their original, intended purpose: improving security and facilitation for travelers," said Nick Calio, CEO, Airlines for America. "Making smart investments in advanced technology security checkpoints and checked baggage systems in airports across America will streamline efficiencies, keep travelers safe and make our aviation system even more secure. All of this will help ensure that the U.S. is ready to welcome the world for a historic decade of major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250, as well as the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Airlines for America commends Chairman Moran and Senators Van Hollen, Boozman and Bennet for their leadership on this legislation."

The legislation is also supported by Southwest Airlines, American Association of Airport Executives, Airports Council International - North America, Smiths Detection, and Travelers United.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.