The U.S. House of Representatives announced the passage of 10 bipartisan bills advanced by the Committee on Homeland Security to strengthen the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s core mission.
If passed, the bills will modernize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), refocus the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), support border security, and enhance DHS’s ability to identify and respond to emerging threats.
Homeland Security Committee Chair Andrew Garbarin (R-NY) introduced the “Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act of 2026,” legislation he said would expand TSA’s Reimbursable Screening Services Program and extend the pilot program to increase airport screening capabilities. The legislation was co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Nellie Pou (D-NJ).
“In the 25 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks, both the threats facing our nation and the demands placed on our aviation system have evolved drastically. We have a responsibility to ensure America’s aviation security can keep pace,” Garbarino said. “The best security measures are those that protect Americans while minimizing unnecessary burdens on the traveling public.”
Another bill, the One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act, introduced by Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Chair U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-FL), would allow a traveler and their checked baggage to not be re-screened upon arrival in the U.S. for a domestic connecting flight if the last foreign point of departure meets TSA security standards. The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), would extend the current pilot program.
“South Florida is one of the busiest international gateways in the United States, and we must keep passengers and airports moving efficiently while maintaining the highest security standards,” Gimenez said. “This legislation strengthens our aviation system, supports our economy, and reinforces America’s leadership in secure and efficient international travel.”
And the “Spending Aviation Fees For Equipment Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act, or SAFEGUARDS Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL), chair of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology order the diversion of the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee to end and be reinvested in aviation security technology. Cosponsored by Garbarino and U.S. Reps Michael Guest (R-MS), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Gabe Evans (R-CO), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), and Matt Van Epps (R-TN), the legislation would send an estimated $750 million annually for aviation security enhancements.
Other legislation passed included:
- The “Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act,” which was introduced by Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Ranking Member Tim Kennedy (D-NY),
- The “ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026,” which was introduced by Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO),
- The “Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act,” which was introduced by Rep. Matt Van Epps (R-TN),
- The “Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act,” which was introduced by Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA),
- The “Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Reporting Act of 2026,” which was introduced by Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA),
- The “Improving Travel for American Families Act,” which was introduced by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), and
- The “Improving Travel for Military Members Act,” which was introduced by Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-SC).