Congressional Legislation · bill 119hr8770 · built from our database

Both sides have signed this (Bill Ranking)

SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026

H.R. 8770 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

H.R. 8770119TH CONGRESSINTRODUCED 05/12/2026REP. STRONGR-AL · SPONSORLeft: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean left: no (Sponsor Ranking)Center: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean right: no (Sponsor Ranking)Right: DW-NOMINATE +0.60 (Sponsor Ranking)RIGHT(SPONSOR RANKING)TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS

7 members · Left 1 · Center 1 · Right 5 (Bill Ranking)

SponsorRep. Strong, Dale W. (R-AL) (Introduced 05/12/2026)
Sponsor Voting RecordRight · DW-NOMINATE +0.60 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking)
Support
LLLCLRR

support across the spectrum: 7 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once

CommitteesSenate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee; House - Homeland Security Committee; House - Homeland Security Committee; House - Homeland Security Committee
Latest Action07/14/2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Roll Call VotesThere have been no roll call votes
Sourceview on congress.gov →
IntroducedPassed HousePassed SenateResolving DifferencesTo PresidentBecame Law

Summary (1)

Introduced in House (05/12/2026)

Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 or the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026

This bill allocates additional funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for aviation security, including checked baggage explosives detection equipment and security checkpoint technology.

As background, TSA collects passenger civil aviation security service fees (often referred to as the 9/11 security fee or passenger security fee) on air carrier passengers originating at airports in the United States. In general, these fees are deposited into the Department of the Treasury general fund and applied towards debt reduction. A portion of these fees are allocated to TSA for aviation security.

The bill requires that the first $500 million collected in each fiscal year from passenger security fees be deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund. This is an increase from the currently required $250 million. This fund provides for the costs associated with acquiring and installing in-line baggage screening systems (i.e., systems that use a conveyor belt infrastructure to automatically screen, sort, and track baggage) to accommodate checked baggage explosives detection equipment and for certain other airport security improvements.

The bill also requires that the next $250 million collected in each fiscal year from passenger security fees be deposited into a new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund for the costs associated with acquiring, installing, and sustaining aviation security checkpoint technology.

Text (4)

Engrossed in House (EH)

119 HR 8770 EH: Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 8770

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish funds for investments in aviation security, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 or the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026.

2.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that— (1)the fee collected in accordance with section 44940 of title 49, United States Code (commonly known as the 9/11 Security Fee), is an airline passenger-paid fee established with the express purpose of sustaining the safety and security of the aviation system of the United States; (2)revenue generated from the 9/11 Security Fee should be used exclusively to fund activities, programs, equipment, and initiatives that directly improve the security of commercial aviation, including passenger and baggage screening, security technology upgrades, and the support of personnel responsible for aviation security; (3)the use of the 9/11 Security Fee for purposes unrelated to aviation security undermines public trust and the original intent of the fee, and all proceeds from the fee should be reserved and expended solely for measures that strengthen the safety and security of the traveling public within the aviation sector; and (4)the diversion of 9/11 Security Fee revenue to other purposes should be ended no later than 2027, in accordance with section 44940(i)(4) of title 49, United States Code, as it read on the date of the enactment of this Act.

3.Aviation security funds (a)Improving the Aviation Security Capital FundSubsection (h) of section 44923 of title 49, United States Code (relating to the Aviation Security Capital Fund), is amended— (1)in paragraph (1), by striking the second, third, and fourth sentences and inserting the following new sentences: Beginning in fiscal year 2028 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the first $500,000,000 derived from fees received under section 44940(a)(1) shall be available to be deposited in the Fund. The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall impose the fee authorized by such section so as to collect at least $500,000,000 in each of such fiscal years for deposit into the Fund, subject to the prior termination of any of the fees authorized under such section being credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.; and (2)by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2)Disbursement authorityAmounts in the Fund shall be available to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to make grants under this section or enter into related agreements to carry out this section.. (b)Establishment of the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology FundSection 44923 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by— (1)by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and (2)by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection: (i)Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (1)In generalThere is established within the Department of Homeland Security a fund to be known as the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (in this subsection referred to as the ASCT Fund). (2)FundingBeginning in fiscal year 2028 and for each fiscal year thereafter, after the first $500,000,000 is deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund pursuant to subsection (h)(2), the next $250,000,000 from fees received under section 44940(a)(1) shall be available to be deposited in the ASCT Fund. The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall impose the fee authorized by such section so as to collect not less than $250,000,000 in each of such fiscal years for deposit into the ASCT Fund. Amounts in the ASCT Fund shall be available until expended to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to fund the testing, procurement, deployment, installation, and sustainment of aviation security checkpoint technology, subject to the prior termination of any of the fees authorized under such section being credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury. (3)Disbursement authorityAmounts in the ASCT Fund shall be available to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to make grants under this section or enter into related agreements to carry out this section.. (c)Conforming amendmentParagraph (1) of section 44940(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking section 44923(h) and inserting subsections (h) and (i) of section 44923. Passed the House of Representatives July 13, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

Introduced in House (IH)

119 HR 8770 IH: Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 U.S. House of Representatives 2026-05-12 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8770IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 12, 2026Mr. Strong (for himself, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Garbarino, Mr. Guest, Mr. Evans of Colorado, and Mr. Mackenzie) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland SecurityA BILLTo amend title 49, United States Code, to establish funds for investments in aviation security, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 or the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026.

2.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that— (1)the fee collected in accordance with section 44940 of title 49, United States Code (commonly known as the 9/11 Security Fee), is an airline passenger-paid fee established with the express purpose of sustaining the safety and security of the aviation system of the United States; (2)revenue generated from the 9/11 Security Fee should be used exclusively to fund activities, programs, equipment, and initiatives that directly improve the security of commercial aviation, including passenger and baggage screening, security technology upgrades, and the support of personnel responsible for aviation security; (3)the use of the 9/11 Security Fee for purposes unrelated to aviation security undermines public trust and the original intent of the fee, and all proceeds from the fee should be reserved and expended solely for measures that strengthen the safety and security of the traveling public within the aviation sector; and (4)the diversion of 9/11 Security Fee revenue to other purposes should be ended no later than 2027, in accordance with section 44940(i)(4) of title 49, United States Code, as it read on the date of the enactment of this Act.

3.Aviation security funds (a)Improving the Aviation Security Capital FundSubsection (h) of section 44923 of title 49, United States Code (relating to the Aviation Security Capital Fund), is amended— (1)in paragraph (1), by striking the second, third, and fourth sentences and inserting the following new sentences: Beginning in fiscal year 2027 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the first $500,000,000 derived from fees received under section 44940(a)(1) shall be available to be deposited in the Fund. The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall impose the fee authorized by such section so as to collect at least $500,000,000 in each of such fiscal years for deposit into the Fund.; and (2)by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2)Disbursement authorityAmounts in the Fund shall be available to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to make grants under this section or enter into related agreements to carry out this section.. (b)Establishment of the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology FundSection 44923 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by— (1)by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and (2)by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection: (i)Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (1)In generalThere is established within the Department of Homeland Security a fund to be known as the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (in this subsection referred to as the ASCT Fund). (2)FundingBeginning in fiscal year 2027 and for each fiscal year thereafter, after the first $500,000,000 is deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund pursuant to subsection (h)(2), the next $250,000,000 from fees received under section 44940(a)(1) shall be available to be deposited in the ASCT Fund. The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall impose the fee authorized by such section so as to collect not less than $250,000,000 in each of such fiscal years for deposit into the ASCT Fund. Amounts in the ASCT Fund shall be available until expended to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to fund the testing, procurement, deployment, installation, and sustainment of aviation security checkpoint technology. (3)Disbursement authorityAmounts in the ASCT Fund shall be available to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to make grants under this section or enter into related agreements to carry out this section. . (c)Conforming amendmentParagraph (1) of section 44940(j) of title 49, United States Code, as redesignated pursuant to subsection (b), is amended by striking section 44923(h) and inserting subsections (h) and (i) of section 44923.

Referred in Senate (RFS)

119 HR 8770 : Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 U.S. House of Representatives 2026-07-14 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IIB119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8770IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 14, 2026Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationAN ACTTo amend title 49, United States Code, to establish funds for investments in aviation security, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 or the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026.2.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—(1)the fee collected in accordance with section 44940 of title 49, United States Code (commonly known as the 9/11 Security Fee), is an airline passenger-paid fee established with the express purpose of sustaining the safety and security of the aviation system of the United States;(2)revenue generated from the 9/11 Security Fee should be used exclusively to fund activities, programs, equipment, and initiatives that directly improve the security of commercial aviation, including passenger and baggage screening, security technology upgrades, and the support of personnel responsible for aviation security;(3)the use of the 9/11 Security Fee for purposes unrelated to aviation security undermines public trust and the original intent of the fee, and all proceeds from the fee should be reserved and expended solely for measures that strengthen the safety and security of the traveling public within the aviation sector; and(4)the diversion of 9/11 Security Fee revenue to other purposes should be ended no later than 2027, in accordance with section 44940(i)(4) of title 49, United States Code, as it read on the date of the enactment of this Act.3.Aviation security funds(a)Improving the Aviation Security Capital FundSubsection (h) of section 44923 of title 49, United States Code (relating to the Aviation Security Capital Fund), is amended—(1)in paragraph (1), by striking the second, third, and fourth sentences and inserting the following new sentences: Beginning in fiscal year 2028 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the first $500,000,000 derived from fees received under section 44940(a)(1) shall be available to be deposited in the Fund. The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall impose the fee authorized by such section so as to collect at least $500,000,000 in each of such fiscal years for deposit into the Fund, subject to the prior termination of any of the fees authorized under such section being credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.; and(2)by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new paragraph:(2)Disbursement authorityAmounts in the Fund shall be available to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to make grants under this section or enter into related agreements to carry out this section..(b)Establishment of the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology FundSection 44923 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by—(1)by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and(2)by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection:(i)Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund(1)In generalThere is established within the Department of Homeland Security a fund to be known as the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (in this subsection referred to as the ASCT Fund).(2)FundingBeginning in fiscal year 2028 and for each fiscal year thereafter, after the first $500,000,000 is deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund pursuant to subsection (h)(2), the next $250,000,000 from fees received under section 44940(a)(1) shall be available to be deposited in the ASCT Fund. The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall impose the fee authorized by such section so as to collect not less than $250,000,000 in each of such fiscal years for deposit into the ASCT Fund. Amounts in the ASCT Fund shall be available until expended to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to fund the testing, procurement, deployment, installation, and sustainment of aviation security checkpoint technology, subject to the prior termination of any of the fees authorized under such section being credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.(3)Disbursement authorityAmounts in the ASCT Fund shall be available to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to make grants under this section or enter into related agreements to carry out this section..(c)Conforming amendmentParagraph (1) of section 44940(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking section 44923(h) and inserting subsections (h) and (i) of section 44923.Passed the House of Representatives July 13, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

Reported in House (RH)

119 HR 8770 RH: Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 U.S. House of Representatives 2026-07-09 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IBUnion Calendar No. 641119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8770[Report No. 119–737]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 12, 2026Mr. Strong (for himself, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Garbarino, Mr. Guest, Mr. Evans of Colorado, and Mr. Mackenzie) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland SecurityJuly 9, 2026Additional sponsor: Mr. Van EppsJuly 9, 2026Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printedStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on May 12, 2026A BILLTo amend title 49, United States Code, to establish funds for investments in aviation security, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026 or the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026.2.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—(1)the fee collected in accordance with section 44940 of title 49, United States Code (commonly known as the 9/11 Security Fee), is an airline passenger-paid fee established with the express purpose of sustaining the safety and security of the aviation system of the United States;(2)revenue generated from the 9/11 Security Fee should be used exclusively to fund activities, programs, equipment, and initiatives that directly improve the security of commercial aviation, including passenger and baggage screening, security technology upgrades, and the support of personnel responsible for aviation security;(3)the use of the 9/11 Security Fee for purposes unrelated to aviation security undermines public trust and the original intent of the fee, and all proceeds from the fee should be reserved and expended solely for measures that strengthen the safety and security of the traveling public within the aviation sector; and(4)the diversion of 9/11 Security Fee revenue to other purposes should be ended no later than 2027, in accordance with section 44940(i)(4) of title 49, United States Code, as it read on the date of the enactment of this Act.3.Aviation security funds(a)Improving the Aviation Security Capital FundSubsection (h) of section 44923 of title 49, United States Code (relating to the Aviation Security Capital Fund), is amended—(1)in paragraph (1), by striking the second, third, and fourth sentences and inserting the following new sentences: Beginning in fiscal year 2028 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the first $500,000,000 derived from fees received under section 44940(a)(1) shall be available to be deposited in the Fund. The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall impose the fee authorized by such section so as to collect at least $500,000,000 in each of such fiscal years for deposit into the Fund, subject to the prior termination of any of the fees authorized under such section being credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.; and(2)by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new paragraph:(2)Disbursement authorityAmounts in the Fund shall be available to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to make grants under this section or enter into related agreements to carry out this section..(b)Establishment of the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology FundSection 44923 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by—(1)by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and(2)by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection:(i)Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund(1)In generalThere is established within the Department of Homeland Security a fund to be known as the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (in this subsection referred to as the ASCT Fund).(2)FundingBeginning in fiscal year 2028 and for each fiscal year thereafter, after the first $500,000,000 is deposited into the Aviation Security Capital Fund pursuant to subsection (h)(2), the next $250,000,000 from fees received under section 44940(a)(1) shall be available to be deposited in the ASCT Fund. The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall impose the fee authorized by such section so as to collect not less than $250,000,000 in each of such fiscal years for deposit into the ASCT Fund. Amounts in the ASCT Fund shall be available until expended to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to fund the testing, procurement, deployment, installation, and sustainment of aviation security checkpoint technology, subject to the prior termination of any of the fees authorized under such section being credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.(3)Disbursement authorityAmounts in the ASCT Fund shall be available to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to make grants under this section or enter into related agreements to carry out this section..(c)Conforming amendmentParagraph (1) of section 44940(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking section 44923(h) and inserting subsections (h) and (i) of section 44923.July 9, 2026Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.

All Actions (17)

DateChamberAll Actions
05/12/2026Library of CongressIntroduced in House
05/12/2026Library of CongressIntroduced in House
05/12/2026House floor actionsReferred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
05/13/2026House committee actionsReferred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
06/24/2026House committee actionsSubcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Discharged
06/24/2026House committee actionsCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
06/24/2026House committee actionsOrdered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 3.
07/09/2026Library of CongressReported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-737.
07/09/2026House floor actionsReported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-737.
07/09/2026House floor actionsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 641.
07/13/2026House floor actionsMr. Garbarino moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
07/13/2026House floor actionsConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4389-4390)
07/13/2026House floor actionsDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8770.
07/13/2026Library of CongressPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4389-4390)
07/13/2026House floor actionsOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4389-4390)
07/13/2026House floor actionsMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
07/14/2026SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Titles (11)

Title TypeTitle
Display TitleSAFEGUARDS Act of 2026
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title 49, United States Code, to establish funds for investments in aviation security, and for other purposes.
Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill textSpending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026
Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill textSAFEGUARDS Act of 2026
Short Title(s) as Passed HouseSAFEGUARDS Act of 2026
Short Title(s) as Passed HouseSpending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026
Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill textTo amend title 49, United States Code, to establish funds for investments in aviation security, and for other purposes.
Short Title(s) as Reported to HouseSAFEGUARDS Act of 2026
Short Title(s) as Reported to HouseSpending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026
Short Title(s) as IntroducedSpending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2026
Short Title(s) as IntroducedSAFEGUARDS Act of 2026

Amendments (0)

There are no amendments to this bill.

Cosponsors (6)

* = Original cosponsor

Committees (4)

CommitteeActivity
Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee07/14/2026 Referred To
House - Homeland Security Committee07/09/2026 Reported By
House - Homeland Security Committee06/24/2026 Markup By
House - Homeland Security Committee05/12/2026 Referred To

Related Bills (0)

No related bill information was received for H.R. 8770.

Subjects (7)

Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works

All data on this page comes from our own database (legislation.congress_* tables), synced daily from the GPO govinfo BILLSTATUS and BILLS collections. Formatted after congress.gov; nothing is generated. Member placement is their DW-NOMINATE score (voteview.com, Lewis et al.) - a measurement of roll-call voting behavior, not our judgement. Buckets: Left below −0.50 · Lean Left to −0.25 · Center to +0.25 · Lean Right to +0.50 · Right above +0.50. The bill's Support meter aggregates the people who signed the bill - sponsor and current cosponsors, each counted once - nothing else.