Expanding Private Airport Security Screening Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 30, 2026
Bottom line
The bill expands the option for airports to use private security screeners, aiming for efficiency and local control while maintaining federal oversight and providing liability protection for airports.
What it actually does
This bill significantly expands the existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP) by allowing any airport operator to contract with qualified private companies for passenger and property screening services, rather than relying solely on federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel. It establishes requirements for these private companies, mandates continued federal oversight and law enforcement presence, and provides liability protection for airport operators. The bill also requires the TSA to conduct annual performance and cost comparisons between private and federal screening operations.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that expanding the use of private screening companies will introduce competition, lead to greater efficiency, potentially reduce costs for taxpayers and airports, and allow airport operators more flexibility to tailor security services to their specific needs without compromising security standards, which are maintained through federal oversight.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that expanding private screening could lead to a fragmentation of national security standards, potentially compromise security effectiveness due to varied training or lower pay for private screeners, and negatively impact the federal TSA workforce. Concerns are also raised about accountability if airport operators are shielded from liability.
The bill is concise and straightforward, making it accessible for a reader to understand its core provisions and implications within a short timeframe.
Section 2, amending 49 U.S.C. 44920(a)
Authorization for Airport Operators to Contract for Screening Services
This provision allows any airport operator to enter into a contract with a qualified private screening company to carry out passenger and property screening at their airport. This expands the current Screening Partnership Program (SPP) from a voluntary, TSA-approved program to a more broadly available option for all airports, provided they select a company from a federal list.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision empowers local airport authorities, fosters competition among screening providers, and can lead to more efficient and cost-effective security operations without compromising safety, as federal standards and oversight remain.
Critics contend
Critics contend that this broad expansion could lead to a patchwork of security standards, even with federal oversight, and may undermine the unified national security approach established by the federalized TSA workforce post-9/11. Concerns about a 'race to the bottom' on wages and training for private screeners are also raised.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for local control and market efficiency in airport operations against the imperative for consistent national security standards and a unified federal security posture.
Section 2, amending 49 U.S.C. 44920(b)
Requirements for Qualified Private Screening Companies
This section mandates that the TSA Administrator maintain a public list of qualified private screening companies. To be included, companies must employ individuals who meet all federal requirements applicable to TSA personnel, demonstrate the capability to provide screening services at the same level as federal personnel, and be owned and controlled by a U.S. citizen (to the extent such companies are available).
Section 2, amending 49 U.S.C. 44920(d) and (e)
Continued Federal Oversight and Airport Operator Liability Shield
This provision clarifies that the TSA Administrator will continue to provide federal supervisors to oversee all screening at airports using private companies, along with federal law enforcement officers. TSA will also conduct covert testing and provide remedial training support for private screeners. Crucially, airport operators are explicitly shielded from liability for claims related to negligence, gross negligence, or intentional wrongdoing by either the private screening company's employees or federal government supervisors.
Section 2, amending 49 U.S.C. 44920(f)
Annual Performance and Cost Comparison Reports
This provision requires the TSA Administrator to submit an annual report to Congress. The report must compare the average screening performance and the mean cost of private screening companies versus federal government screening services, broken down by airport category. It also requires a comparison of costs to airport operators for private contracts versus estimated federal costs. These reports must be publicly published on the TSA website.
Section 3, amending FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44901 note)
Enhanced Cost Comparison for Airport Operators
This provision amends existing law to require the TSA to provide airport operators with a direct comparison of the cost of contracting with a qualified private screening company versus the estimated cost to the airport operator of providing passenger and property screening services with federal government personnel. This aims to give airports clearer financial data when considering their screening options.