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HR7941119th CongressWALLET

Pay TSA Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]

In Committee

Summary

Creates a Transportation Security Trust Fund that would lock the 9/11 passenger security fee to aviation security and let the Transportation Security Administration use those fees for operations and tech even during appropriations lapses.

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  • TSA workforce and frontline screening would be protected. Funds would be first applied to salaries, benefits, overtime, and staffing levels for passenger and baggage screening so checkpoint operations can continue during funding gaps.
  • Airport security technology and infrastructure would get a dedicated pot. An Aviation Security Technology and Infrastructure Account would fund checkpoint scanners, computed tomography baggage systems, credential authentication gear, perimeter and exit-lane tech, and grants to airports for deployment and modernization.
  • Federal control and limits on use would tighten. All fee collections would be deposited into the Fund and may not be moved to the general Treasury or used for deficit reduction. The bill also sets priorities, rate limits, and terms for using the Fund during lapses in appropriations.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Aviation security technology account

If enacted, the bill would create an Aviation Security Technology and Infrastructure Account inside the Trust Fund. Amounts in this account would be available until expended for modernization, procurement, deployment, and sustainment of screening technology and related infrastructure. The account could only be used for these investments after funding needs for TSA personnel and operational aviation security activities are met. Authorized uses would include checkpoint technology, CT baggage screening, credential authentication systems, perimeter security, and grants to airports for technology upgrades.

Keep passenger security fees for TSA

If enacted, the bill would create a Transportation Security Trust Fund at DHS to hold amounts collected from the 9/11 passenger security fee. Those amounts would be available to the TSA Administrator without further appropriation and without fiscal year limits. The bill would require the money be used only for aviation security activities, including personnel pay, screening operations, technology, and airport security infrastructure. It would also bar transferring these funds to the Treasury general fund or using them for deficit reduction or other non-aviation purposes.

TSA funding during government shutdowns

If enacted, the bill would allow the TSA Administrator to use Trust Fund amounts during any lapse in appropriations to continue aviation security programs and activities. The authority would begin on the first day of the lapse and end when Congress enacts the applicable appropriations or continuing resolution. Funds used during a lapse would first pay salaries, benefits, and overtime for frontline personnel and maintain screening staffing levels; only after those needs are met could remaining funds be used for technology, baggage screening equipment, maintenance, modernization, and airport grants. Use during a lapse would be rate-limited to no more than the prior fiscal year's operations rate and remain subject to existing program terms and limits.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]

NY • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 3/16/2026

  • Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 3/16/2026

  • Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 3/17/2026

  • Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]

    MI • R

    Sponsored 3/17/2026

  • Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 3/17/2026

  • Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3]

    IA • R

    Sponsored 3/17/2026

  • Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]

    WI • R

    Sponsored 3/18/2026

  • Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

    VA • R

    Sponsored 3/19/2026

  • Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1]

    NE • R

    Sponsored 3/20/2026

  • Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 3/24/2026

  • Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 4/20/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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