To exempt Members of the House of Representatives and Senators of the Senate from certain Federal passenger and baggage screening, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 17, 2025
Bottom line
The bill replaces a general exemption for Members of Congress from federal screening with a more limited exemption specifically for travel to and from their home airports.
What it actually does
This bill modifies existing federal law to remove a broad exemption for Members of the House and Senate from federal passenger and baggage screening. Concurrently, it establishes a new, more specific exemption for these Members, applicable only when they are traveling between their designated home airport and any other location. This means Members would no longer have a blanket exemption but would receive one for official travel to and from their districts or states.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill strikes a necessary balance, acknowledging the unique security needs and demanding travel schedules of Members of Congress while also addressing concerns about broad exemptions. The targeted exemption for home airport travel facilitates their ability to perform official duties, engage with constituents, and participate in legislative processes efficiently, without compromising essential security measures for other types of travel.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that any exemption for Members of Congress creates a 'two-tiered' system, undermining the principle of equal treatment under security protocols and potentially creating perceived or actual security vulnerabilities. They argue that all travelers, regardless of their position, should be subject to the same screening procedures to ensure the highest level of security and public trust.
The bill text is very short, but understanding its full implications requires knowledge of the existing law it amends.
Section 1(a) and 1(b)
Modification of Existing Exemptions for Members of Congress
This section amends Section 218(a) of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, by removing language that previously included Members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate, including their leadership, from a list of individuals generally exempted from federal passenger and baggage screening. It also clarifies that certain non-applicability clauses from the original act will not affect this amendment. In essence, this removes a broad, pre-existing exemption for Members of Congress from general federal screening requirements.
Supporters argue
Supporters of removing the broad exemption might argue that it promotes equal treatment under security protocols, enhancing public trust and perceived fairness by ensuring elected officials are subject to similar scrutiny as the general public.
Critics contend
Opponents of removing the broad exemption might contend that it could hinder the ability of Members to travel efficiently for official duties, potentially impacting legislative work, and that their unique security needs warrant specific accommodations.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between the principle of equal treatment for all citizens and the practical considerations of official travel and security for high-profile elected officials.
Section 1(c)
Establishment of Specific Exemption for Home Airport Travel
This section mandates that the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must exempt Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, including their leadership, from federal passenger and baggage screening. This specific exemption applies only when the Member or Senator is traveling between their designated home airport and any other location. This creates a new, more narrowly defined exemption compared to the broad one removed in subsections (a) and (b).
The bill amends Section 218(a) of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-47) by striking language that included Members of Congress in a list of exempted individuals, and states that Section 218(b) of that Act shall not apply to this amendment.
Section 1(a) and 1(b)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to amend existing statutes by reference rather than reprinting the entire section. It is not necessarily evasive, but it does require external research for complete comprehension.
Case for: This method is efficient for legislative drafting, avoiding lengthy bill texts by referencing existing law. It assumes that those who need to understand the specifics will consult the referenced statute.
Case against: It makes the bill less accessible to the general public and even to some policy analysts, as it requires external research to fully grasp the baseline of existing exemptions for Members of Congress.
Estimated impact: Clarifies the baseline of existing exemptions for Members of Congress, which is fundamental to understanding the bill's overall effect of narrowing, rather than broadly granting, exemptions.