Summary#
This bill changes how money collected from the 9/11 Security Fee (the passenger security fee in 49 U.S.C. 44940(a)(1)) is set aside and spent. It updates an existing Aviation Security Capital Fund and creates a new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (ASCT Fund). Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the bill directs the first $500,000,000 each year from that fee to the Aviation Security Capital Fund and the next $250,000,000 each year to the ASCT Fund. The ASCT Fund can be used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to buy, deploy, and sustain checkpoint and exit-lane screening technology and to make grants. The bill also allows TSA to retroactively approve grant funding for eligible projects that started on or after January 1, 2023. A "Sense of Congress" section says fee revenue should be used only for aviation security and that diversion of these fees should end no later than 2027.
What it means for you#
- The TSA is required to set the passenger security fee so it collects the required annual amounts for the funds described in the bill.
- Money taken from the fee will be dedicated to airport security investments, especially checkpoint and exit-lane technology, and to grants that support those projects.
- The bill allows TSA to approve funding after the fact for checkpoint projects put in place on or after January 1, 2023.
Expenses#
- Source of funds: fees received under 49 U.S.C. 44940(a)(1) (the 9/11 Security Fee).
- Deposits specified in the bill:
- Fiscal years 2004 through 2025: first $250,000,000 per year from the fee was available for the Aviation Security Capital Fund (as restated in the bill).
- Beginning in fiscal year 2026 and each year after: the first $500,000,000 per year from the fee shall be deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund.
- Beginning in fiscal year 2026 and each year after: after the first $500,000,000 is deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund, the next $250,000,000 per year from the fee shall be deposited into the ASCT Fund.
- Funds in the ASCT Fund are available until expended and may be used for procurement, deployment, sustainment, and grants for checkpoint and exit-lane technology.
- No publicly available information on overall budget score or long-term budget impacts is included in the bill text provided.
Proponents' View#
Supporters say the 9/11 Security Fee was created to improve aviation safety and security and that its revenue should be used only for programs, equipment, and personnel that strengthen commercial aviation security. They argue directing specific fee amounts to capital and checkpoint technology funds will fund screening technology upgrades and restore public trust by stopping fee diversion by 2027.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.