AIRFARE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4940
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T08:05:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to create a streamlined process at U.S. domestic airports that lets caregivers, parents, and guardians receive gate passes more easily when escorting minors or passengers who need help boarding flights.
Key Provisions
- The bill defines key terms: caregivers as those responsible for minors or assisted passengers; minors as people under age 18; and passengers needing assistance as those with health or mobility issues, such as wheelchair users.
- Within 180 days of enactment, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator must set up a system allowing air carriers to issue up to two gate passes per qualifying trip.
- Individuals with existing TSA PreCheck status can apply that privilege to the gate passes using their Known Traveler Numbers, with the status noted similarly to a regular ticket.
- For wheelchair users, a gate pass is available only when the caregiver is the person actually pushing the wheelchair.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces a new federal requirement for TSA to establish and oversee an expedited gate-pass system, which is not currently mandated under existing TSA procedures for domestic travel.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: TSA must develop and implement the new system within the required timeframe, potentially affecting airport screening operations.
- Citizens: Families and individuals needing mobility or health assistance could gain simpler access to gates, reducing separation during travel.
- International relations: None identified, as the measure applies only to domestic airports.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- TSA and airport security personnel.
- Air carriers and their staff.
- Caregivers, parents, guardians, minors, and passengers requiring assistance.
- Domestic airports and related operators.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure focuses on administrative procedures for passenger access and does not appear to raise constitutional concerns or alter existing legal frameworks beyond directing TSA implementation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- 2025-08-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Accommodating Individuals Requesting Familial Assistance in Riding Efficiently Act — issued 2025-08-08 — PDF (3 pages)