The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act on Apr. 18. U.S. Senator John Boozman introduced the bipartisan legislation along with Senators Jerry Moran, Chris Van Hollen, and Michael Bennet. The bill aims to ensure that revenue from the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee is used to strengthen aviation and airport security.
The SAFEGUARDS Act matters because it addresses concerns about how airline passenger fees are spent. Supporters say the legislation will help guarantee that these funds are invested in technology upgrades intended to improve safety for air travelers.
Boozman said, “Ensuring our security personnel have the necessary tools and resources required to keep air travelers safe is critical.” He added, “I’m pleased our bipartisan bill is now headed to the Senate floor and urge my colleagues to help us make certain that this required fee is used for the original purpose of investing in new technology that supports efficient, safe air travel for all Americans.”
Moran also commented on the committee’s action: “Today’s committee passage of the SAFEGUARDS Act is a step towards strengthening airport security and better protecting the traveling public. Each time Americans purchase an airline ticket, they pay a mandatory fee that was originally created to support the safety of American air travel. This legislation returns passenger security fees to their original intent of investing in new technology to help bolster the safety and efficiency of U.S. air travel. I look forward to the passage of this important aviation safety legislation by the full Senate.”
Currently, airline passengers pay $5.60 per one-way ticket as a fee meant for aviation security funding; however, since 2014 more than $13 billion from these collections have been redirected toward non-security purposes instead of improvements such as checked bag explosive detection systems or checkpoint technology upgrades.
The SAFEGUARDS Act has several cosponsors from both parties including Senators Steve Daines, Tim Sheehy, Shelley Moore Capito, John Hickenlooper, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Jacky Rosen, Mike Crapo, James Risch and Todd Young.
The next step will be consideration by the full Senate.
