H.R. 8770: SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026

The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 (H.R. 8770) aims to enhance aviation security in the United States by ensuring that fees collected from airline passengers, specifically the 9/11 Security Fee, are used exclusively for security purposes. The bill proposes that starting in fiscal year 2027, the first $500 million from this fee will be allocated annually to the Aviation Security Capital Fund for security improvements. Additionally, the next $250 million collected will be directed to a newly established Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund, which will support the testing, procurement, deployment, and maintenance of advanced security technologies at airport checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will manage these funds to ensure the effective implementation of security enhancements.

Supporters of the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 commend the bill for its commitment to strengthening aviation security by dedicating passenger fees directly to security enhancements. They highlight that the establishment of the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund will facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies, such as computed tomography machines and automated exit lanes, thereby improving passenger safety and streamlining airport operations. Proponents also appreciate the bill's emphasis on transparency and accountability in the allocation of security funds, which is expected to bolster public trust in the aviation security system.

Critics of the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 express concerns that the reallocation of the 9/11 Security Fee may not be sufficient to cover the comprehensive security needs of the aviation sector. They argue that while the bill focuses on technological upgrades, it may overlook other critical areas such as personnel training and cybersecurity measures. Additionally, some stakeholders worry that the fixed allocations to specific funds could limit the TSA's flexibility to address emerging threats and adapt to evolving security challenges. There is also apprehension about the potential for increased passenger fees in the future to sustain these dedicated funds, which could place an additional financial burden on travelers.

The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026, sponsored by Dale Strong, does not present any direct industry overlaps with the sponsor's top donor industries, which include Health Professionals and Retired individuals, totaling $157,500,000. This lack of overlap suggests that the financial interests of the top donors are not directly aligned with the subject matter of the bill, reducing the likelihood of conflicts of interest. Additionally, while there is significant lobbying activity in the policy area, the disclosed amounts from entities such as Tencent America LLC and Alibaba Group Holding Limited do not directly correlate with the sponsor's donor industries, indicating a lower risk of undue influence.

The total lobbying amounts from the listed entities, including $200,000 from Tencent America LLC and $80,000 from Alibaba Group, do not create a direct financial connection to the sponsor's top donors. The presence of undisclosed lobbying amounts adds some uncertainty, but without specific ties to the sponsor's financial backers, the overall risk remains low. Voters should be aware that while lobbying is present, the absence of direct financial connections to the sponsor's donors minimizes potential conflicts.

Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.

Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026

Top industries funding Dale Strong, ranked by total contributions.

Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)