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Improving Travel for American Families Act

H.R. 8897 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

H.R. 8897119TH CONGRESSINTRODUCED 05/19/2026REP. MACKENZIER-PA · SPONSORLeft: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean left: no (Sponsor Ranking)Center: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean right: DW-NOMINATE +0.32 (Sponsor Ranking)Right: no (Sponsor Ranking)LEAN RIGHT(SPONSOR RANKING)TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS

3 members · Left 1 · Center 1 · Right 1 (Bill Ranking)

SponsorRep. Mackenzie, Ryan (R-PA) (Introduced 05/19/2026)
Sponsor Voting RecordLean right · DW-NOMINATE +0.32 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking)
Support
LLLCLRR

support across the spectrum: 3 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 Votes1
Sourceview on congress.gov →
IntroducedPassed HousePassed SenateResolving DifferencesTo PresidentBecame Law

Summary (1)

Introduced in House (05/19/2026)

Improving Travel for American Families Act

This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish a pilot program to implement alternative security screenings for passengers traveling with children who are 12 years old and younger.  

Specifically, TSA must implement alternative security screening lanes and security screening approaches for passengers traveling with children in order to support and facilitate the ease of travel for these passengers.

TSA must implement the pilot program at a minimum of five airports, with priority given to airports that have a high volume of passengers traveling with children.

Text (4)

Engrossed in House (EH)

119 HR 8897 EH: Improving Travel for American Families Act 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. 8897

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To improve travel for American families, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Improving Travel for American Families Act.

2.Improving travel for American families pilot program (a)In generalThe Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (in this section referred to as the Administrator), may establish a pilot program at airports to expedite access to security screening for adult passengers and accompanying child passengers twelve years of age and under to support and facilitate the ease of travel for such passengers and such child passengers. The Administrator may carry out this subsection only such access does not compromise security protocols. (b)Security requirementsIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall carry out the following: (1)Ensure each passenger described in such subsection is screened in accordance with the vetting status of such passenger under the Secure Flight program of the Transportation Security Administration, in accordance with paragraph (2) of section 44903(j) of title 49, United States Code. (2)Prevent individuals carrying out screening functions under section 44901 of such title from allowing any passenger into a TSA PreCheck or other expedited security screening lane unless such passenger has received a boarding pass indicating eligibility for TSA PreCheck or such other expedited security screening. (3)Permit local Administration management to open or close checkpoint lanes and reallocate available resources as needed to maximize security effectiveness and efficiency based on passenger volume. (c)Selection of airportsIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), in selecting airports for such pilot program, the Administrator shall— (1)give priority to an airport the Administrator determines to have a high volume of passengers traveling with accompanying child passengers; (2)consider airports with adequate space to accommodate additional or larger security screening lanes and sufficient personnel to aid passengers and accompanying child passengers twelve years of age and under while maintaining adequate staffing of other security screening lanes; and (3)use any other consideration the Administrator determines necessary. (d)BriefingIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), not later than 270 days after such establishment, the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on such pilot program. (e)SunsetIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall carry out such pilot program for a period of two years. Passed the House of Representatives July 13, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

Introduced in House (IH)

119 HR 8897 IH: Improving Travel for American Families Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-05-19 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. 8897IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 19, 2026Mr. Mackenzie (for himself and Mrs. Foushee) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland SecurityA BILLTo improve travel for American families, and for other purposes.

1.Short title This Act may be cited as the Improving Travel for American Families Act.

2.Improving travel for American families pilot program (a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law (including any such provisions applicable to issuance of regulations, such as chapters 5 and 8 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Administrative Procedure Act and the Congressional Review Act), and chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act)), the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (in this section referred to as the Administrator), shall establish a pilot program, to be carried out at a minimum of five airports, to implement alternative security screening lanes and security screening approaches for passengers and accompanying child passengers twelve years of age and under to support and facilitate the ease of travel for such passengers and such child passengers. (b)Selection of airportsIn selecting airports for the pilot program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall— (1)give priority to an airport the Administrator determines to have a high volume of passengers traveling with accompanying child passengers; (2)consider airports with adequate space to accommodate additional or larger security screening lanes and sufficient personnel to aid passengers and accompanying child passengers twelve years of age and under while maintaining adequate staffing of other security screening lanes; and (3)use any other consideration the Administrator determines necessary. (c)BriefingNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on the pilot program under subsection (a). (d)SunsetThe Administrator shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) for a period of two years.

Referred in Senate (RFS)

119 HR 8897 : Improving Travel for American Families Act 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. 8897IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 14, 2026 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationAN ACTTo improve travel for American families, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Improving Travel for American Families Act.2.Improving travel for American families pilot program(a)In generalThe Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (in this section referred to as the Administrator), may establish a pilot program at airports to expedite access to security screening for adult passengers and accompanying child passengers twelve years of age and under to support and facilitate the ease of travel for such passengers and such child passengers. The Administrator may carry out this subsection only such access does not compromise security protocols.(b)Security requirementsIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall carry out the following:(1)Ensure each passenger described in such subsection is screened in accordance with the vetting status of such passenger under the Secure Flight program of the Transportation Security Administration, in accordance with paragraph (2) of section 44903(j) of title 49, United States Code.(2)Prevent individuals carrying out screening functions under section 44901 of such title from allowing any passenger into a TSA PreCheck or other expedited security screening lane unless such passenger has received a boarding pass indicating eligibility for TSA PreCheck or such other expedited security screening.(3)Permit local Administration management to open or close checkpoint lanes and reallocate available resources as needed to maximize security effectiveness and efficiency based on passenger volume.(c)Selection of airportsIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), in selecting airports for such pilot program, the Administrator shall—(1)give priority to an airport the Administrator determines to have a high volume of passengers traveling with accompanying child passengers;(2)consider airports with adequate space to accommodate additional or larger security screening lanes and sufficient personnel to aid passengers and accompanying child passengers twelve years of age and under while maintaining adequate staffing of other security screening lanes; and(3)use any other consideration the Administrator determines necessary.(d)BriefingIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), not later than 270 days after such establishment, the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on such pilot program.(e)SunsetIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall carry out such pilot program for a period of two years.Passed the House of Representatives July 13, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

Reported in House (RH)

119 HR 8897 RH: Improving Travel for American Families Act 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. 639119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8897[Report No. 119–735]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 19, 2026Mr. Mackenzie (for himself and Mrs. Foushee) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland SecurityJuly 9, 2026Additional sponsor: Mr. VindmanJuly 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 19, 2026A BILLTo improve travel for American families, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Improving Travel for American Families Act.2.Improving travel for American families pilot program(a)In generalThe Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (in this section referred to as the Administrator), may establish a pilot program at airports to expedite access to security screening for adult passengers and accompanying child passengers twelve years of age and under to support and facilitate the ease of travel for such passengers and such child passengers. The Administrator may carry out this subsection only such access does not compromise security protocols.(b)Security requirementsIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall carry out the following:(1)Ensure each passenger described in such subsection is screened in accordance with the vetting status of such passenger under the Secure Flight program of the Transportation Security Administration, in accordance with paragraph (2) of section 44903(j) of title 49, United States Code.(2)Prevent individuals carrying out screening functions under section 44901 of such title from allowing any passenger into a TSA PreCheck or other expedited security screening lane unless such passenger has received a boarding pass indicating eligibility for TSA PreCheck or such other expedited security screening.(3)Permit local Administration management to open or close checkpoint lanes and reallocate available resources as needed to maximize security effectiveness and efficiency based on passenger volume.(c)Selection of airportsIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), in selecting airports for such pilot program, the Administrator shall—(1)give priority to an airport the Administrator determines to have a high volume of passengers traveling with accompanying child passengers;(2)consider airports with adequate space to accommodate additional or larger security screening lanes and sufficient personnel to aid passengers and accompanying child passengers twelve years of age and under while maintaining adequate staffing of other security screening lanes; and(3)use any other consideration the Administrator determines necessary.(d)BriefingIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), not later than 270 days after such establishment, the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on such pilot program.(e)SunsetIf the Administrator establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall carry out such pilot program for a period of two years.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 (19)

DateChamberAll Actions
05/19/2026Library of CongressIntroduced in House
05/19/2026Library of CongressIntroduced in House
05/19/2026House floor actionsReferred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
05/20/2026House 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: 30 - 0.
07/09/2026Library of CongressReported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-735.
07/09/2026House floor actionsReported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-735.
07/09/2026House floor actionsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 639.
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 H4395-4396)
07/13/2026House floor actionsDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8897.
07/13/2026House floor actionsAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
07/13/2026House floor actionsConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4403-4404)
07/13/2026Library of CongressPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 - 12 (Roll no. 235). (text: CR H4395-4396)
07/13/2026House floor actionsOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 - 12 (Roll no. 235). (text: CR H4395-4396)
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 (7)

Title TypeTitle
Official Title as IntroducedTo improve travel for American families, and for other purposes.
Display TitleImproving Travel for American Families Act
Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill textImproving Travel for American Families Act
Short Title(s) as Passed HouseImproving Travel for American Families Act
Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill textTo improve travel for American families, and for other purposes.
Short Title(s) as Reported to HouseImproving Travel for American Families Act
Short Title(s) as IntroducedImproving Travel for American Families Act

Amendments (0)

There are no amendments to this bill.

Cosponsors (2)

* = 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 Committee05/19/2026 Referred To

Related Bills (0)

No related bill information was received for H.R. 8897.

Subjects (3)

Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works

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