Pay TSA Act of 2026

Dedicated funding for airport security

If enacted, this bill would create a Transportation Security Trust Fund at the Department of Homeland Security. It would require deposits of the 9/11 Security Fee into that Fund. Fund money would be available to the TSA Administrator without further appropriation and without fiscal-year limits. The Fund would only pay aviation security costs. Uses would include TSA salaries and benefits, passenger and baggage screening, checkpoint and baggage screening technology, airport security infrastructure, and security research. The bill would bar transfers of Fund deposits to the Treasury general fund or use for deficit reduction. During an appropriations lapse, Fund and Aviation Security Capital Fund money would be available to keep screening operations staffed. During a lapse, funds would first pay TSA officer salaries, benefits, and overtime; leftover money would pay for equipment, technology, maintenance, modernization, and grants. The bill would also create an Aviation Security Technology and Infrastructure Account to fund CT scanners, credential checks, perimeter systems, and airport upgrades only after personnel and operational needs are met.