Sen. Jerry Moran, US Senator for Kansas | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Sen. Jerry Moran, US Senator for Kansas | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) have introduced the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act. This legislation aims to ensure that revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee is invested in enhancing aviation and airport security.
Currently, airline passengers pay a fee of $5.60 per one-way ticket intended for aviation security funding. However, since 2014, over $13 billion of these fees have been redirected to non-security uses. The proposed legislation seeks to stop this diversion and reinvest these funds into airport security.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens millions of passengers daily at 2,400 security lanes across 420 airports in the U.S. Senator Moran highlighted the importance of using passenger fees for their original purpose: “Airline travel hit record highs during the Fourth of July holiday, and with every purchased ticket, passengers paid a mandatory fee that was originally created to support the safety of air travel.”
Senator Van Hollen emphasized the need for modern screening technology: “Upgrading our airport screening technology is a matter of both safety and efficiency.” Meanwhile, Senator Boozman stressed ensuring airline security personnel have effective tools: “Ensuring that our airline security personnel have the most modern and effective tools and resources available to keep travelers safe is critical.”
Senator Bennet underscored the duty to protect travelers: "Our first duty is to ensure the safety of the American people."
The SAFEGUARDS Act proposes allocating $500 million annually from PSF revenue for checked bag explosive detection systems and $250 million annually for checkpoint technology improvements.
The legislation has received support from various organizations. AAAE appreciates Senators' leadership in prioritizing investments in upgrading airport technology. ACI-NA applauds the bill's potential impact on TSA's mission. Southwest Airlines supports investing in technologies benefiting customers nationwide.
Smiths Detection backs this legislation as crucial for equipping airports with advanced technology. Airlines for America commends Chairman Moran and other senators for their leadership on this issue.
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