A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 6 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This Act, known as the "SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026," aims to amend title 49 of the United States Code to establish funds for aviation security investments. It directs that the first $500,000,000 from 9/11 Security Fees be deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund starting in fiscal year 2028. Additionally, it creates the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund to receive the next $250,000,000 in fees annually. These funds are intended to support security technology, personnel, and various aviation security initiatives. The Act seeks to ensure that passenger-paid fees are used specifically for improving the safety and security of the aviation sector.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill ensures that specific security fees are used exclusively for their intended purpose rather than being diverted.
- Scored +2
Would business owners be better off under this?
Increased security certainty and technology investment can provide a more stable operating environment for the aviation industry.
- Scored +2
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The ASCT Fund specifically finances the testing and deployment of new security technologies.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill requires the TSA Administrator to collect specific large sums of fees to fund dedicated accounts.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Strengthened Aviation Security: The bill directs revenue from the 9/11 Security Fee to be used for activities that directly improve commercial aviation security, such as passenger and baggage screening and security technology upgrades (Section 2).
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Investment in Technology: The establishment of the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund provides money specifically for the testing, procurement, deployment, installation, and sustainment of aviation security checkpoint technology (Section 3(b)(2)).
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Dedicated Security Funding: By mandinting that the first $500,000,000 in fees go to the Aviation Security Capital Fund, the act ensures resources are available for the Administrator of the TSA to make grants or enter into agreements to carry out security sections (Section 3(a)(1) and 3(a)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated 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? — Increased security certainty and technology investment can provide a more stable operating environment for the aviation industry. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Improved aviation security benefits the large populations that rely on major airport hubs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill ensures that specific security fees are used exclusively for their intended purpose rather than being diverted.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The ASCT Fund specifically finances the testing and deployment of new security technologies.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill invests in the security infrastructure required for the aviation transit system.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill funds aviation security personnel and activities which supports employment in the security sector. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill requires the TSA Administrator to collect specific large sums of fees to fund dedicated accounts.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill funds the procurement and deployment of advanced security technology for aviation checkpoints.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — Enhanced aviation security contributes to the broader national security and border integrity framework.
- 7/14/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 7/13/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4389-4390)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4389-4390)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8770.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4389-4390)
- Mr. Garbarino moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 7/9/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-737.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 641.
- 7/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/24/2026
- Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 3.
- 5/13/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
- 5/12/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Michael GuestRepublican · Mississippi
Andrew GarbarinoRepublican · New York
Timothy KennedyDemocrat · New York
Ryan MackenzieRepublican · Pennsylvania
Matt Van EppsRepublican · Tennessee