A Republican bill with 11 Republican cosponsors · See all 11 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Pay TSA Act of 2026 aims to ensure that passenger security fees are used exclusively for aviation security. It establishes a Transportation Security Trust Fund within the Department of Homeland Security to support TSA operations and personnel. This fund will receive deposits from the "9/11 Security Fee" and make them available without fiscal year limitations. The bill also ensures that aviation security operations continue even during a lapse in appropriations. Additionally, it creates an Aviation Security Technology and Infrastructure Account to support the modernization of security systems.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +1
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill ensures continuity of security operations which supports the stability of the aviation industry.
- Scored +1
Would people in cities be better off under this?
The bill improves aviation security infrastructure which is critical for major urban airport hubs.
- Scored +1
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill supports research, development, and deployment of advanced aviation security systems.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill restricts the use of funds by prohibiting their transfer to the general fund for deficit reduction.
- Scored -1
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill's restriction on fund usage prevents these revenues from being used for other federal purposes.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Guaranteed Aviation Security Funding: The bill ensures that money collected from passenger security fees is used only for aviation security and cannot be transferred to the general fund for deficit reduction or other purposes (Section 2(b)(3) and 2(b)(4)).
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Operational Continuity During Government Shutdowns: If there is a lapse in appropriations, the fund allows the TSA Administrator to continue necessary programs, projects, and activities to maintain aviation security (Section 2(c)(1)).
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Prioritization of TSA Personnel: During a lapse in appropriations, the bill mandates that funds be prioritized for the salaries, benefits, and overtime of Transportation Security Officers and other essential personnel (Section 2(c)(2)).
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Modernization of Security Technology: The establishment of the Aviation Security Technology and Infrastructure Account allows for the procurement and deployment of advanced screening systems, such as computed tomography and credential authentication technology (Section 2(d)(4)).
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Support for Airport Infrastructure: The bill provides for the maintenance and modernization of airport security systems and offers grants to airports for technology improvements (Section 2(c)(3) and 2(d)(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly detailed in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill ensures continuity of security operations which supports the stability of the aviation industry. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill improves aviation security infrastructure which is critical for major urban airport hubs.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill restricts the use of funds by prohibiting their transfer to the general fund for deficit reduction.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill supports research, development, and deployment of advanced aviation security systems.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill funds airport security infrastructure and equipment to improve travel systems.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill creates a dedicated trust fund to ensure specific fees are used for their intended purpose.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill's restriction on fund usage prevents these revenues from being used for other federal purposes.
- 4/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/19/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/17/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 3/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Tom BarrettRepublican · Michigan
Mike FloodRepublican · Nebraska
Erin HouchinRepublican · Indiana
Jennifer KiggansRepublican · Virginia
Anna Paulina LunaRepublican · Florida
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Nicole MalliotakisRepublican · New York
Ryan MackenzieRepublican · Pennsylvania
Zachary NunnRepublican · Iowa
Elise StefanikRepublican · New York
Derrick Van OrdenRepublican · Wisconsin