TSA Modernization: Industry Perspectives on Key Security and Travel Reforms 25 Years After 9/11

The Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on May 21, 2026, focused on modernizing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 25 years after 9/11. Key procurement-related discussions included bipartisan legislative efforts such as the Safeguards Act, which aims to end the diversion of the 9/11 passenger security fee revenue and redirect approximately $750 million annually toward aviation security technology upgrades, including checkpoint and checked baggage screening improvements. Witnesses from Airlines for America, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and the American Federation of Government Employees emphasized the critical need for sustained capital investment, workforce stability, and enhanced screening technology to address evolving threats and increasing passenger volumes. The hearing also addressed the impact of recent government shutdowns on TSA officers, highlighting the urgent need for legislation to guarantee timely pay and restore collective bargaining rights to improve recruitment and retention. Programs like TSA's One Stop Security and Reimbursable Screening Services were discussed as successful pilots that should be expanded and made permanent to improve operational flexibility and traveler experience. The committee underscored the importance of maintaining a well-trained federal workforce while leveraging technology and partnerships to modernize TSA operations effectively.