H.R. 8770 — SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026, as amended
Executive Summary
H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026, aims to end the congressional practice of diverting the 9/11 Security Fee to non-aviation purposes by 2027. The bill mandates that starting in FY 2028, the first $500 million collected annually from these passenger fees be deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund, and the subsequent $250 million be deposited into a newly created Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology (ASCT) Fund. This ensures a dedicated, $750 million annual revenue stream for the TSA to upgrade baggage screening, checkpoint technology, and overall commercial aviation security infrastructure.
Arguments For
- Restores the original intent of the 9/11 Security Fee, ensuring passenger taxes directly fund passenger safety rather than acting as a slush fund for general deficit reduction.
- Provides TSA and airports with a predictable, dedicated funding stream ($750M annually) to modernize aging checkpoint technology and baggage screening systems, reducing wait times and improving threat detection.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Ending the diversion of these fees removes a revenue source previously used by Congress to offset other spending or reduce the deficit, potentially complicating future budget negotiations.
- Locks in mandatory funding levels for specific TSA funds, reducing congressional appropriators' flexibility to redirect funds during fiscal emergencies.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Declares a Sense of Congress that the diversion of 9/11 Security Fee revenues to non-aviation purposes undermines public trust and must end no later than 2027.
- Requires the first $500 million of 9/11 Security Fees collected annually (starting FY 2028) to be deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund for TSA grants and agreements.
- Establishes the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology (ASCT) Fund within the Department of Homeland Security.
- Allocates the next $250 million of collected fees annually to the ASCT Fund for the testing, procurement, deployment, and sustainment of checkpoint technology.
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States that the diversion of the 9/11 Security Fee should end no later than 2027.
"ended no later than 2027"
Allocates the first $500 million of collected fees to the Aviation Security Capital Fund starting in FY 2028.
"2028 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the first $500,000,000"
Establishes the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund.
"known as the ‘Aviation Security Checkpoint Tech"
Allocates the next $250 million of collected fees to the newly created ASCT Fund.
"Capital Fund pursuant to subsection (h)(2), the next $250,000,000"