SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 8770

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-07-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 641.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T19:26:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose The legislation aims to direct revenue from the 9/11 Security Fee exclusively toward aviation security improvements by establishing dedicated funds for capital investments and checkpoint technology upgrades. It reinforces that this passenger-paid fee should support only aviation security activities.

Key Provisions

• Expresses the sense of Congress that the 9/11 Security Fee must be used solely for aviation security measures, with diversion to other purposes ending no later than 2027.
• Amends section 44923 of title 49, United States Code, to allocate the first $500 million annually from fees under section 44940(a)(1) to the Aviation Security Capital Fund beginning in fiscal year 2028.
• Creates a new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund within the Department of Homeland Security, funded by the next $250 million annually from the same fees after the Capital Fund allocation, for testing, procurement, deployment, installation, and sustainment of checkpoint technology.
• Updates disbursement authority so that amounts in both funds are available to the TSA Administrator for grants or agreements under the section.
• Makes a conforming amendment to section 44940(i)(1) to reference the new fund allocations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Modifies the Aviation Security Capital Fund by setting a mandatory annual deposit of at least $500 million from security fees starting in fiscal year 2028 and simplifying disbursement rules.
• Introduces an entirely new fund for checkpoint technology with its own $250 million annual allocation from the same fee source.
• Adjusts fee imposition requirements to ensure collection targets for both funds, subject to any prior termination of fee crediting as offsetting receipts.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies: Provides the Transportation Security Administration with dedicated, ongoing funding streams for security infrastructure and technology, potentially accelerating upgrades without reliance on general appropriations.
• Citizens: May lead to improved passenger and baggage screening capabilities at airports through sustained investment in detection equipment.
• No direct effects on international relations are specified in the bill.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• The Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security, as primary administrators of the funds.
• Airline passengers, who pay the 9/11 Security Fee.
• Airlines and airport operators, who benefit from enhanced security systems.
• Congress, which oversees fee usage and fund allocations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• The bill codifies restrictions on fee revenue use to align with the original intent of the 9/11 Security Fee, potentially limiting executive flexibility in budget reallocations.
• It establishes multi-year funding commitments starting in 2028, which could influence future appropriations debates and fiscal policy regarding user fees.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Van Epps, Matt [R-TN-7]

Recent Actions

• 2026-07-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 641.
• 2026-07-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-737.
• 2026-07-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-737.
• 2026-06-24: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 3.
• 2026-06-24: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-06-24: Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Discharged
• 2026-05-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
• 2026-05-12: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
• 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
• 2026-05-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-12 — PDF (5 pages)
• Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 — issued 2026-07-09 — PDF (8 pages)