LAWMAKERS ADVOCATE FOR SAFEGUARDS ACT TO ENHANCE AIRPORT SECURITY
June 25, 2026
Eckert Seamans has prepared the information in this update for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice nor substitute for legal advice. Neither your receipt of information from this website nor your use of this website to contact Eckert Seamans or one of its attorneys creates an attorney-client relationship, as the firm may, for example, already represent another party involved in your matter. Accordingly, you should not provide confidential information to Eckert Seamans. Persons seeking legal advice should consult a licensed professional attorney in their state. The firm’s Terms of Use, Legal Notice, and Disclaimer detailed herein are expressly incorporated into the Aviation Regulatory Update.
On May 12, 2026, bipartisan lawmakers introduced the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act (“SAFEGUARDS Act”) to bolster security at U.S. airports nationwide. The Act would mandate that all revenues collected via the Transportation Security Administration’s 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (“PSF”) be used only for aviation security improvements rather than redirecting portions of PSF revenues to other areas of federal spending. Under current law, one third of the revenue generated by PSFs can be redirected to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for deficit reduction purposes. While lawmakers recognize the benefits associated with deficit reduction, advocates of the Act argue that all PSF revenues should be reinvested into airport and aviation security upgrades consistent with the original statutory intent. If enacted into law, $500 million each year would be specifically directed toward checked baggage explosive detection systems with another $250 million each year being designated for TSA checkpoint technology improvements. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250, and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, industry stakeholders, such as Airlines for America, U.S. Travel Association, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and the American Association of Airport Executives, support the legislation as a means to enhance the passenger experience for the millions of Americans who travel by air each year.
This Aviation Blog Post is intended to keep readers current on developments in the law. It is not intended to be legal advice. If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr at 202.659.6622 or esahr@eckertseamans.com; Drew Derco at 202.659.6665 or dderco@eckertseamans.com; Tyler Myers at 202.659.6642 or trmyers@eckertseamans.com, or any other attorney at Eckert Seamans with whom you have been working.
Share This Post
Authors
