US House Passes Bipartisan Aviation Bills to Modernise Airport Security and Prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

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August 5, 2026 6:24 PM

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US House Passes Bipartisan Aviation Bills to Modernise Airport Security and Prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The United States is taking a major step towards modernising its aviation security system as the House of Representatives has approved a package of bipartisan bills designed to strengthen airport infrastructure, reduce passenger waiting times and improve international travel ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. The legislative package, advanced by the House Committee on Homeland Security, focuses on redirecting aviation security funding back into airports, expanding passenger screening capacity and simplifying international transit for connecting travellers. Together, the measures aim to prepare America’s airports for a decade of rising passenger demand while improving efficiency across the country’s aviation network.

Congress Moves to Keep Aviation Security Fees Inside the Aviation System

One of the centrepieces of the legislative package is the Strengthening America’s Flight and Essential General Aviation Resilience, Growth, and Uniformity through Dedicated and Reliable Security (SAFEGUARDS) Act (H.R. 8770). Introduced by Representatives Dale Strong and Tim Kennedy, the legislation seeks to prevent the long-standing diversion of the US$5.60 September 11 Passenger Security Fee collected from every one-way airline ticket. Since 2014, billions of dollars generated through these passenger fees have been redirected to unrelated federal budget purposes instead of strengthening aviation security. Under the proposed reforms, the revenue would remain dedicated to airport screening infrastructure, ensuring passengers directly benefit from the fees they pay every time they fly.

Bill Allocates Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Next-Generation Security Technology

The SAFEGUARDS Act creates two dedicated investment streams designed to modernise airport security nationwide. The legislation would provide US$500 million annually for installing and maintaining advanced explosive detection systems used to screen checked baggage. Another US$250 million each year would be invested in next-generation passenger checkpoint technology aimed at reducing physical queues while improving security screening efficiency. These upgrades are expected to accelerate passenger processing, improve baggage handling and enhance overall airport resilience as travel volumes continue rising. Modern screening equipment is also expected to reduce manual inspections and improve operational efficiency across major international gateways.

Expanded TSA Screening Programme Targets Airport Congestion

Lawmakers also approved the Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act (H.R. 9391), introduced by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino. The bill expands the Transportation Security Administration’s Reimbursable Screening Services Program (RSSP) from eight pilot locations to fourteen locations across the country. Under the programme, airport authorities and commercial operators can reimburse TSA for additional screening services during busy travel periods. This flexibility allows airports to deploy extra screening officers during peak hours without waiting for permanent federal staffing increases. Supporters believe the expansion will help reduce congestion during holiday travel, large events and future international gatherings.

One-Stop Security Pilot Could Transform International Connections

Another significant measure approved by the House is the One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act (H.R. 9388), introduced by Representative Carlos Giménez. The legislation addresses one of the most common frustrations experienced by international passengers connecting through US airports. Under current procedures, travellers arriving from overseas who continue on a domestic flight must collect checked baggage, clear customs and immigration, then pass through a second TSA security screening before boarding their connecting flight. The pilot programme would eliminate that second security checkpoint for passengers departing from foreign airports whose security standards meet US requirements. The change is expected to significantly shorten connection times while improving the passenger experience at major hub airports.

Aviation Industry Strongly Supports the Legislative Package

The aviation industry has broadly welcomed the House’s action. Organisations including Airlines for America and the U.S. Travel Association have argued for years that passenger security fees should remain dedicated to aviation security rather than helping reduce federal deficits. Industry leaders also support expanding reimbursable screening programmes and simplifying international transit, saying these reforms will improve operational efficiency while making the United States more competitive as an international travel destination. With global passenger volumes continuing to recover, airlines and airport operators view infrastructure investment as increasingly important for handling future demand without creating bottlenecks across the national aviation system.

Preparing America’s Airports for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

The timing of these reforms reflects growing attention on the enormous logistical challenge posed by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. Federal authorities, airport operators and local organising bodies expect millions of additional international visitors during the event. Congress has already authorised approximately US$1 billion for Olympic-related security operations, while the newly approved aviation legislation aims to strengthen airport readiness well before the Games begin. By combining upgraded screening technology, additional TSA capacity and simplified international connections, policymakers hope to reduce waiting times and improve passenger flow through some of America’s busiest airports.

What the Bills Could Mean for Future Air Travel

Although the legislative package must complete the remaining stages of the federal legislative process before becoming law, its passage in the House represents an important milestone in reshaping US aviation policy. If fully enacted, the measures could deliver faster security screening, improved baggage inspection, more efficient international transfers and better use of passenger-funded security fees. Together, these reforms would not only help prepare the country for the 2028 Olympics but could also create lasting improvements for millions of domestic and international travellers using US airports in the years ahead.