Pay TSA Act of 2026

This bill ensures that the passenger security fee paid by airline passengers is used only for aviation security, creates a Transportation Security Trust Fund to support TSA operations and personnel, and provides for continuity of aviation security operations during a government funding lapse.

Sec. 2, Transportation Security Funding: The bill repeals existing law that allowed diversion of passenger security fees to other purposes. It establishes a Transportation Security Trust Fund in the Department of Homeland Security, into which all 9/11 Security Fee collections are deposited. Fund money is available without further appropriation and can only be used for aviation security activities, including TSA salaries, screening operations, checkpoint technology, airport security infrastructure, and research. The money cannot be transferred to the general Treasury or used for deficit reduction.

Sec. 2(c), Availability During a Lapse in Appropriations: If TSA funding lapses, the Trust Fund and the Aviation Security Capital Fund become available to maintain aviation security operations. TSA must first use the money for salaries, benefits, and overtime of screening officers and other frontline personnel, then for staffing levels and operational expenses. After those needs are met, remaining funds can go to checkpoint technology, baggage screening equipment, airport security system maintenance, and airport technology grants. The spending rate cannot exceed the prior year's rate, and the authority lasts until a new appropriations or continuing resolution is enacted.

Sec. 2(d), Aviation Security Technology and Infrastructure Account: A separate account within the Trust Fund is created for technology and infrastructure modernization. Money in this account is available only after TSA personnel and operational needs are fully funded. It can be used for checkpoint technology, computed tomography screening systems, credential authentication, airport screening infrastructure, exit lane and perimeter security, and grants to airports for technology deployment.