Mississippi Senator Cosponsors SAFEGUARDS Act to End Diversion of Airport Security Funds

Strategic Insights -

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Senator Jerry Moran, the authors of the bipartisan SAFEGUARDS Act, aim to end the diversion of 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF) revenues for non-security uses and invest those funds in airport security. The legislation would allocate $500 million in PSF revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems and set aside $250 million annually for security checkpoint technology improvements. The SAFEGUARDS Act has garnered support from several airlines and air transportation groups, including the U.S. Travel Association and Airlines for America.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF) is intended to fund aviation security, but more than $13 billion of the collected PSF charges have been diverted to non-security uses since 2014.
  • The SAFEGUARDS Act would allocate $500 million in PSF revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems and set aside $250 million annually for security checkpoint technology improvements.
  • The legislation aims to return the fees that travelers pay for security to their original, intended purpose: improving security and facilitation for travelers.
  • Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator Jerry Moran have cosponsored the bipartisan SAFEGUARDS Act.
  • The SAFEGUARDS Act has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and has support from several airlines and air transportation groups.
  • Increased air travel, coupled with lack of investment in security checkpoints and aging systems, has resulted in outdated screening technology and longer security lines.

Statistics:

  • The 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF) generates $5.60 per airline passenger for each one-way ticket.
  • More than $13 billion of the collected PSF charges have been diverted to non-security uses since 2014.
  • The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens millions of passengers and their luggage daily at 2,400 security lanes at 420 airports nationally.
  • $500 million in PSF revenue would be allocated annually for checked bag explosive detection systems.
  • $250 million in PSF revenue would be set aside annually for security checkpoint technology improvements.

Sources:

  • Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
  • S.2378, the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act
  • U.S. Senator Jerry Moran
  • U.S. Travel Association
  • Airlines for America
  • Airports Council International – North America
  • American Association of Airport Executives
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Nick Calio, Airlines for America CEO
  • Tori Barnes, U.S. Travel Association