FAST Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 18, 2026
Bottom line
The FAST Act grants free TSA PreCheck access to federal law enforcement officers and their young children, aiming to streamline their airport security experience.
What it actually does
This bill amends title 49, United States Code, to make Federal law enforcement officers and their accompanying family members under 12 years old eligible for the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck program at no cost. It adds a new subsection to existing law, requiring the Administrator of the TSA to establish policies and procedures for this expedited security screening benefit.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a well-deserved benefit to Federal law enforcement officers, recognizing their critical role in national security and public safety. They contend it will ease their travel, whether for official duties or personal reasons, enhance efficiency at security checkpoints, and serve as a practical token of appreciation for their service, potentially boosting morale and reducing travel-related stress for officers and their families.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that extending free PreCheck eligibility to a broad category of federal employees could create a financial burden on the TSA, potentially leading to increased costs for taxpayers or higher fees for other PreCheck applicants. Concerns could also be raised about the fairness to other essential workers or the general public who pay for the service, and whether this benefit is truly necessary given existing security protocols for law enforcement personnel.
The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly and thoroughly.
Section 2, amending Section 44919 of title 49, United States Code
Eligibility for Federal Law Enforcement Officers for Expedited Security Screening
This provision amends existing federal law by inserting a new subsection (j) into title 49, United States Code, section 44919. It grants Federal law enforcement officers, as defined by the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of 2008, eligibility for the TSA PreCheck program without any associated cost. Furthermore, family members under 12 years old who are accompanying such officers are also made eligible for this expedited security screening benefit.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is a well-deserved benefit for those who serve and protect the nation, acknowledging the unique demands of their profession. It streamlines travel for officers, potentially reducing stress and improving efficiency, which can be particularly beneficial when traveling for official duties or with young families, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that while appreciating law enforcement, this provision creates a new unfunded mandate or revenue loss for the TSA, which could ultimately be borne by taxpayers or lead to higher fees for other PreCheck users. They may also question the necessity of providing free PreCheck when many officers already possess credentials that allow for expedited screening.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tradeoff between recognizing and supporting federal law enforcement through a tangible benefit, and the potential fiscal implications for the TSA and the broader taxpayer. It also raises questions about equity among different groups of travelers and federal employees regarding access to expedited screening benefits.
This subsection defines 'Federal law enforcement officer' by referencing section 2 of the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of 2008 (34 U.S.C. 50301).
Section 2(4)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to avoid redundancy and ensure consistency with existing legal definitions across the United States Code, rather than being an attempt to obscure information.
Case for: Referencing an existing definition ensures legal consistency and prevents the creation of conflicting or ambiguous terms across different statutes. It streamlines legislative drafting and relies on established legal precedent.
Case against: It requires a reader to consult external legal texts to fully understand the precise scope of the bill's beneficiaries, making the bill less immediately accessible and self-contained for a casual reader.
Estimated impact: This definition is critical for determining the exact population of federal law enforcement officers who would be eligible for free PreCheck, directly impacting the program's cost and reach.