The U.S. Travel Association thanked lawmakers in the House for passing a trio of key bills aimed at improving the air travel experience.
The House green-lit the SAFEGUARDS Act, Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act and One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act this summer.
"U.S. Travel applauds the House for unanimously advancing three bipartisan bills that will make the travel experience more secure and efficient," U.S. Travel's Senior Vice President and Head of Government Relations Erik Hansen said in a statement on Tuesday.
The SAFEGUARDS Act seeks to ensure that more 9/11 security fee revenue is invested in modern screening technology rather than being diverted to unrelated government spending, while the Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act gives TSA and airports additional tools to expand screening capacity where it's needed most to reduce checkpoint wait times.
Finally, the One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act helps streamline international connections by avoiding the duplicative re-screening of eligible travelers before continuing to their final destination.
TSA security checkpoint (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
"These are common-sense reforms that reflect key recommendations from the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel and move us closer to a travel system that is more secure, more efficient and better equipped to meet growing demand," said Hansen. "As the United States continues to host an unprecedented level of major global events, investing in smarter aviation and domestic travel processes isn't just good for travelers—it's good for America's economy and global competitiveness."
"We thank Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino and Ranking Member Bennie Thompson, as well as the bill sponsors, for their leadership in advancing practical solutions that strengthen aviation security, improve the traveler experience and better prepare the United States for the future," he concluded.
Airlines for America (A4A) also applauded the bills' passage this week, saying they "represent meaningful, long-overdue investments in our nation’s aviation system."
"Together, these bills enhance passenger and baggage screening, expand access to more efficient and streamlined security options and support innovative programs and public-private partnerships that improve the travel experience for passengers across the country," the group said in a statement on Monday.
"At a time of record-breaking travel demand and as our country prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, it is critical that TSA has the tools and partnerships needed to keep passengers safe and moving efficiently through the system," A4A added.
"A4A is grateful to Chairman Garbarino, Ranking Member Thompson and Representatives Dale Strong and Tim Kennedy for their bipartisan leadership, and we appreciate Members of the House to voting yes to help build a safer, more efficient and more seamless travel experience for the flying public."
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