Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026

Floor Speech

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Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the SAFEGUARDS Act.

When Americans purchase an airline ticket, they pay a passenger security fee with an expectation that those dollars will be used to strengthen aviation security.

That is what Congress intended when the fee was created, and that is exactly what this bill restores. For years, revenue from the passenger security fee has been directed away from its intended purpose. Meanwhile, our airports continue to face evolving threats and increasing demand on the systems and technologies that help keep travelers safe.

The SAFEGUARDS Act restores accountability by directing this revenue back toward critical aviation security priorities following the expiration of the current fee diversion.

This legislation invests $500 million annually in checked baggage screening technology and $250 million annually in checkpoint technology upgrades. This will help modernize screening capability, strengthen security operations, and ensure our aviation system remains prepared to meet current and future threats.

Let me be clear. This is not a new fee that will be placed on flyers, and it does not raise taxes. The SAFEGUARDS Act simply ensures that the fees travelers currently pay are used for their original purpose and in line with the expectation of the traveling public.

Anytime a fee is collected from the American people, it should be carefully scrutinized. I take that responsibility seriously, which is why, when I examined the intent of this fee, I first asked whether the original purpose behind it remains important today. I believe it does.

The fee was established in the aftermath of September 11, one of the darkest days in our Nation's history. In the years that followed, Congress recognized that maintaining a safe and secure aviation system would require a long-term commitment to aviation security and continued investments in the technologies that help protect the traveling public.

The passenger security fee was created to support that mission, and travelers have paid it with the expectation that those dollars would be used to strengthen aviation security.

I am proud to reaffirm our commitment to the traveling public today with this bill. The SAFEGUARDS Act is about restoring trust, improving transparency and accountability, and ensuring the aviation security dollars are spent on aviation security.

I am proud that this legislation has earned bipartisan support and the backing of airports, airlines, and the travel organizations across the country.

I want to thank Chairman Garbarino for his leadership and support in advancing this legislation. I also want to thank Mr. Kennedy of New York for partnering with me on this effort, as well as my colleagues who have joined as cosponsors.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the SAFEGUARDS Act.

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