Kennedy Leads Bipartisan SAFEGUARDS Act to Enhance Airport Security

Representatives Kennedy and Strong Lead Legislation to Ensure Proper Allocation of 9/11 Passenger Security Fee Revenue BUFFALO, NY – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) introduced the “Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act,” or SAFEGUARDS Act, alongside Congressman Dale Strong (AL-05), to ensure that revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee is invested into aviation and airport security, consistent with the original intent. The $5.60 fee included on every one-way airline ticket was originally created post-9/11 to support stronger aviation security measures and critical airport infrastructure upgrades nationwide. But since 2014, roughly $15 billion generated through the fee has been diverted away from its intended purpose and spent on unrelated federal expenses. The SAFEGUARDS Act would restore the integrity of those funds by ensuring they are reinvested directly into aviation and airport security improvements. The legislation would help expand investments in modern screening technology, including enhanced baggage detection equipment and improved passenger checkpoint operations. The legislation comes at a time when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is confronting rising passenger traffic and increasing pressure on the country’s aviation security system, particularly as the U.S. prepares to host several major international events expected to attract millions of visitors in the years ahead. “The SAFEGUARDS Act is a necessary piece of legislation to provide increased funding that we rely on to keep our skies and cities safe. As the existing screening technology in our airports falls behind modern standards and best practices, we are going to start to see real strain on systems that are essential to passenger and crew safety. This legislation guarantees that the TSA has the resources it needs to protect travelers and keep our airports running smoothly,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26). “As we prepare to host millions of visitors for major international events and continue facing evolving threats to our homeland, we must ensure TSA has the resources necessary to secure our airports with modern screening technology and upgrades that keep passengers safe. The SAFEGUARDS Act ensures that the resources are available to do just that,” said Congressman Dale Strong (AL-05). Specifically, the SAFEGUARDS Act would: Allocate $500 million in 9/11 fee revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems. Designate $250 million annually for checkpoint technology improvements. Full text of the legislation can be found here . ###