Technical corrections only. The diff reflects the bill's procedural movement from the House to the Senate, including updated attestations and referral information. No substantive policy changes were made between v3 and v4.
SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 14, 2026
Bottom line
The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 aims to ensure that a substantial portion of the 9/11 Security Fee is dedicated solely to aviation security improvements and technology upgrades, rather than being diverted to the general fund.
What it actually does
This bill amends title 49, United States Code, to redirect a significant portion of the 9/11 Security Fee revenue, currently deposited into the general fund of the Treasury, to dedicated aviation security funds. Specifically, it mandates that the first $500 million of these fees go to the Aviation Security Capital Fund (ASCF) and the next $250 million go to a newly established Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (ASCT Fund) starting in fiscal year 2028. The bill also includes a Sense of Congress emphasizing that these fees should be used exclusively for aviation security.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill fulfills the original intent of the 9/11 Security Fee, which was established to fund aviation security measures. They contend that dedicating these passenger-paid fees directly to security infrastructure and technology will enhance public trust, improve the safety of the aviation system, and provide consistent funding for critical upgrades without relying on annual appropriations battles. This ensures that funds collected for a specific purpose are used for that purpose.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that redirecting these funds reduces congressional flexibility in managing the federal budget, as the 9/11 Security Fee currently contributes to the general fund. They may contend that earmarking specific revenue streams limits the ability to prioritize spending across various government needs, potentially creating shortfalls in other areas that rely on general fund revenue. Some might also argue that the specific allocations might not align with future evolving security needs.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions and implications within a few minutes.
Section 3(a)
Improving the Aviation Security Capital Fund
This provision amends existing law to ensure that, starting in fiscal year 2028, the first $500,000,000 collected annually from the 9/11 Security Fee is deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund (ASCF). This fund is used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to make grants and agreements for aviation security improvements. The amendment replaces previous language that allowed for more discretionary deposits, making this allocation mandatory.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision ensures a stable and predictable funding stream for critical aviation security infrastructure, allowing the TSA to plan and execute long-term capital improvements more effectively. They contend it prevents the diversion of funds intended for security to other government programs, thereby strengthening the nation's aviation defenses.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that mandating this specific allocation reduces the flexibility of Congress to respond to evolving budgetary priorities. They may contend that while aviation security is important, locking in a fixed amount of revenue for a specific fund limits the ability to reallocate funds if other national emergencies or priorities arise.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for dedicated, consistent funding for aviation security capital projects against the desire for greater congressional flexibility in allocating federal revenues to meet broader national needs.
Section 3(b)
Establishment of the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund
This provision creates a new fund within the Department of Homeland Security called the 'Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund' (ASCT Fund). Starting in fiscal year 2028, after the first $500,000,000 has been deposited into the ASCF, the next $250,000,000 from the 9/11 Security Fee will be deposited into this new fund. The ASCT Fund is specifically for the testing, procurement, deployment, installation, and sustainment of aviation security checkpoint technology.
Section 2
Sense of Congress on 9/11 Security Fee Use
This section expresses the opinion of Congress that the 9/11 Security Fee should be used exclusively for aviation security purposes, including passenger and baggage screening, technology upgrades, and personnel support. It states that diverting these funds to unrelated purposes undermines public trust and that such diversion should end by 2027, aligning with existing law.