The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed multiple bills related to the fate of air passenger security fees and screening of connecting international travelers.
The Safeguards Act of 2026 (H.R. 8770) ensures that passenger security fees collected by the TSA be reinvested in aviation and airport security, such as checked baggage explosives detection equipment and security checkpoint technology.
The One Stop Pilot Program Extension Act (H.R. 9388) extends and expands a TSA program that allows eligible international travelers with connecting flights to bypass a second screening during their connection time. The bill extends the pilot program through Dec. 23, 2032, from the current Dec. 23, 2028.
The Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act of 2026 (H.S. 9391) extends and expands this TSA program through fiscal year 2031. The bill also allows TSA to expand the program to up to 14 locations from the current limit of eight. The pilot program allows TSA to be reimbursed for establishing and providing screening services outside an airport terminal's existing primary screening area for passengers.
"Our members manage travel for millions of global employees and rely on a system that is both secure and efficient," Global Business Travel Association CEO Suzanne Neufang said in a statement addressing the first two bills. "These bills take important steps toward modernizing aviation security, reducing unnecessary delays and ensuring a more seamless travel experience."
Citing all three bills, U.S. Travel Association SVP and head of government relations Erik Hansen said in a statement that "these are common-sense reforms that reflect key recommendations from the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel and move us closer to a travel system that is more secure, more efficient and better equipped to meet growing demand."
The bills now move to the U.S. Senate for consideration.