One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 14, 2026
Bottom line
The bill extends a pilot program designed to streamline international-to-domestic flight connections by allowing pre-screened passengers and baggage from approved foreign airports to bypass re-screening in the U.S. for an additional four years.
What it actually does
This bill, titled the 'One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act,' amends existing law to extend a program that allows passengers and their checked baggage arriving from certain foreign airports to bypass additional security screening when connecting to domestic flights in the United States. It extends the program's authorization from six years to ten years and clarifies the requirements for checked baggage re-screening, emphasizing the role of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in receiving baggage images and identifying items for further inspection.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that extending the One-Stop Pilot Program enhances efficiency for travelers and airlines by reducing wait times and improving the flow of passengers through U.S. airports. They contend that the program, with its stringent requirements for foreign airport screening and CBP oversight, maintains robust security standards while offering significant convenience and operational benefits, making air travel more seamless.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concerns that relying on foreign security screening, even with agreements in place, could introduce vulnerabilities into the U.S. aviation security system. They may argue that any reduction in domestic re-screening, regardless of the perceived efficiency gains, could potentially compromise national security by increasing the risk of prohibited items entering the U.S. air travel network.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Checked Baggage Re-Screening Requirements
This provision amends subsection (d) of section 7132 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. It clarifies and updates the conditions under which checked baggage arriving from participating foreign airports can bypass additional TSA security re-screening upon arrival in the United States. The revised conditions include ensuring initial screening uses an explosives detection system, passengers cannot access their baggage until the final destination, CBP receives timely baggage images, and CBP has not identified the baggage for further inspection.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that these updated requirements enhance security by explicitly involving CBP in the pre-arrival review of baggage images, ensuring that border security enforcement is completed efficiently. They contend that these measures, combined with robust foreign screening, maintain a high level of security while facilitating smoother travel.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that while the involvement of CBP is positive, the fundamental reliance on foreign screening processes, even with agreements, still represents a potential security gap. They may suggest that any reduction in direct U.S. screening could be exploited.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for enhanced passenger convenience and airline efficiency with the imperative of maintaining robust national security. It seeks to achieve this by formalizing and strengthening the oversight mechanisms for foreign screening, rather than eliminating them.
Section 2(b)
Program Extension
This provision amends subsection (k) of section 7132 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 by changing the program's duration from 'six' years to 'ten' years. This effectively extends the authorization for the 'One-Stop Pilot Program' by an additional four years, allowing it to continue operating for a total of ten years from its original enactment.