SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 14, 2026
Bottom line
The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 dedicates $750 million annually from the 9/11 Security Fee to aviation security capital and technology funds, aiming to end the diversion of these passenger-paid fees.
What it actually does
This bill amends title 49, United States Code, to dedicate specific portions of the 9/11 Security Fee (collected from airline passengers) to two aviation security funds. It ensures that the first $500 million annually goes to the Aviation Security Capital Fund and the next $250 million annually goes to a newly established Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund, preventing these funds from being diverted to the general treasury.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill fulfills the original intent of the 9/11 Security Fee, ensuring that revenue generated from airline passengers for security purposes is exclusively used to enhance aviation safety and security. They contend it will improve public trust, provide stable funding for critical infrastructure and technology upgrades, and prevent the diversion of these funds to unrelated government expenditures.
Opponents contend
Potential critics might argue that earmarking specific revenue streams reduces congressional flexibility in budget allocation, potentially limiting the government's ability to respond to other pressing national priorities. Some may view the 9/11 Security Fee as a general revenue source once collected, rather than a strictly dedicated user fee.
The bill is short and its core provisions are straightforward, making it accessible for an informed reader to evaluate within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2
Congressional Intent Regarding 9/11 Security Fee
This section expresses the Sense of Congress that the 9/11 Security Fee was established solely for aviation security, its revenue should be used exclusively for activities directly improving commercial aviation security, and its diversion for other purposes should cease by 2027, as per existing law.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision reinforces the original purpose of the fee, ensuring public trust and dedicated funding for critical security needs, aligning with taxpayer expectations.
Critics contend
No direct opposition to a 'sense of Congress' is typically raised, though some might argue it limits future budgetary flexibility by setting a strong precedent for earmarking.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for dedicated security funding with potential government-wide budget flexibility, strongly favoring the former.
Section 3(a)
Dedicated Funding for Aviation Security Capital Fund
This provision amends existing law (49 U.S.C. 44923(h)) to mandate that, starting in fiscal year 2027, the first $500,000,000 derived from the 9/11 Security Fee annually must be deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund. It also clarifies that these funds are available to the TSA Administrator for grants or related agreements to carry out the fund's purpose.
Section 3(b)
Establishment of Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund
This section creates a new 'Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund' (ASCT Fund) within the Department of Homeland Security. Beginning in fiscal year 2027, after the Aviation Security Capital Fund receives its $500 million, the next $250,000,000 from the 9/11 Security Fee is to be deposited into this new fund. These funds are available until expended for the testing, procurement, deployment, installation, and sustainment of aviation security checkpoint technology.