Travelers flying through airports in the United States 🇺🇸 may soon see shorter security lines and faster screening, thanks to a new bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate. On July 23, 2025, Senators Chris Van Hollen, Jerry Moran, John Boozman, and Michael Bennet put forward the SAFEGUARDS Act, also known as Senate Bill 2378. This bill aims to modernize airport security, reduce wait times, and improve the travel experience for millions of passengers.
Why the SAFEGUARDS Act Matters Now
Airports across the United States 🇺🇸 have faced record numbers of travelers in 2024 and 2025. With more people flying, security lines have grown longer, causing frustration for passengers and putting pressure on airport staff. The SAFEGUARDS Act responds to these problems by promising major upgrades to airport security systems and ensuring that money collected from travelers for security is actually used for that purpose.
Key Details of Senate Bill 2378
The SAFEGUARDS Act, officially known as Senate Bill 2378, was introduced in the Senate and quickly referred to committee for review. The bill proposes several important changes:
- $500 million each year from the Passenger Security Fee will go toward new explosive detection systems for checked bags.
- $250 million each year will be used to improve checkpoint technology, including upgrades at exit lanes.
- The bill ends the practice of using the 9/11 Security Fee for non-security government spending, making sure all funds go directly to aviation security.
- A new grant program will let airports apply for money to expand and modernize their security programs, with a focus on the latest screening technology.
These steps are designed to make airport security faster, safer, and more reliable for everyone.
How the SAFEGUARDS Act Changes Airport Security
For years, travelers have paid a security fee as part of their ticket price. This fee was meant to fund airport security improvements after the 9/11 attacks. However, a large part of this money has been used for other government expenses, leaving airports with outdated equipment and not enough resources to handle growing crowds.
The SAFEGUARDS Act would stop this diversion of funds. Instead, all money collected from the Passenger Security Fee would go straight to improving airport security. This means better technology, more staff, and faster lines for travelers.
What Travelers Experience Today
Right now, many passengers face long waits at airport security. In late 2024, average wait times at major airports ranged from 9 to 23 minutes. During busy times, some travelers waited up to an hour just to get through security. Even members of TSA PreCheck, who pay extra for faster screening, have seen their wait times rise to an average of 36 minutes—only a little faster than regular lines.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers real-time wait time information through the MyTSA app, but this alone has not solved the problem. Outdated screening machines and not enough staff have made it hard to keep up with the number of people flying.
How the SAFEGUARDS Act Will Help
If the SAFEGUARDS Act becomes law, travelers can expect several improvements:
- Shorter Wait Times: With more money for new equipment and better technology, security lines should move faster, especially during busy travel seasons.
- Better Screening: Upgraded machines will make it easier and safer to check both carry-on and checked bags.
- Improved Experience: Passengers will spend less time waiting and more time enjoying their trip.
For airports, the bill means access to dedicated federal funds to upgrade security systems. This will help them keep up with rising passenger numbers and new security threats. The TSA will also benefit from a steady flow of money to buy new equipment and hire more staff.
Strong Support from Industry and Travelers
The SAFEGUARDS Act has received strong backing from airport leaders, airlines, and industry groups. The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), and Southwest Airlines have all called for quick passage of the bill. They say that modern security technology is urgently needed and that ending the diversion of security fees is long overdue.
Consumer groups like Travelers United also support the bill. They believe it will lead to shorter lines and a better travel experience for everyone.
What Happens Next in Congress
The SAFEGUARDS Act is currently being reviewed by a Senate committee. Here’s what needs to happen before it can become law:
- Committee Review: Senators will debate the bill, suggest changes, and vote on whether to send it to the full Senate.
- Senate Vote: If the committee approves, the bill will go to the Senate floor for a full vote.
- House of Representatives: A similar bill must pass in the House.
- Presidential Signature: If both chambers agree, the bill will go to the President for approval.
Because the bill has support from both Democrats and Republicans, as well as from industry groups, many experts believe it has a good chance of passing. However, the exact timeline is still uncertain.
Background: Why Airport Security Needs an Upgrade
After the 9/11 attacks, the United States 🇺🇸 created new security rules for airports. Part of this included a special fee on airline tickets to pay for better security. Over time, though, much of this money was used for other government programs, not for airport security.
Meanwhile, the number of people flying has kept rising. In 2024 and 2025, TSA reported screening more passengers than ever before, often breaking records set before the COVID-19 pandemic. This has put a strain on old equipment and limited staff, causing longer lines and more stress for travelers.
TSA’s technology has not kept up with the demand. Many airports still use outdated screening machines, which slow down the process and make it harder to spot threats. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, reinvesting security fees into new technology is the best way to fix these problems and improve safety.
How the Grant Program Works
One of the most important parts of the SAFEGUARDS Act is the grant program for airports. Here’s how it would work:
- Airports can apply for federal grants to pay for new security equipment and upgrades.
- The grants focus on modernizing screening technology, such as advanced scanners and better explosive detection systems.
- Airports can also use the money to improve exit lanes and other parts of the security process.
This program gives airports the flexibility to address their unique needs, whether that means buying new machines, hiring more staff, or redesigning security areas to handle more people.
Stakeholder Perspectives: What Key Groups Are Saying
- Airport Executives: Leaders at major airports say the bill is essential for keeping up with growing passenger numbers and new security threats. They argue that ending the diversion of security fees will finally give airports the resources they need.
- Airlines: Airlines support the SAFEGUARDS Act because faster, more reliable security means happier passengers and fewer delays.
- Industry Groups: Organizations like AAAE and ACI-NA have pushed for years to reinvest security fees into airport infrastructure. They see this bill as a major step forward.
- Travelers: Passengers and consumer groups welcome the promise of shorter lines and a smoother travel experience.
Expert Analysis: What Could Go Wrong?
While the SAFEGUARDS Act has strong support, experts warn that success will depend on several factors:
- Timely Funding: Congress must make sure the money is available each year as promised.
- Efficient Grant Management: The government will need to process grant applications quickly and fairly.
- Coordination: TSA, airports, and technology companies must work together to install new equipment and train staff.
If these steps are handled well, the bill could set a new standard for how airport security is funded and managed.
Long-Term Impact: What to Expect in the Future
If the SAFEGUARDS Act passes in 2025, airports could start applying for grants and making upgrades as early as 2026. Experts expect to see real improvements in wait times and security within 12 to 24 months after the law takes effect.
The bill could also change how other transportation security programs are funded in the future. By making sure that security fees are used only for their intended purpose, the SAFEGUARDS Act could serve as a model for other areas where government fees are collected.
Practical Steps for Travelers
While the bill moves through Congress, travelers can still take steps to make their airport experience smoother:
- Check Wait Times: Use the TSA’s official website or the MyTSA app to see real-time security wait times before heading to the airport.
- Arrive Early: With high passenger volumes, arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights is still recommended.
- Consider TSA PreCheck: While not a guarantee of short lines, PreCheck can still save time for many travelers.
How to Stay Informed
Travelers, airport staff, and industry professionals can track the progress of the SAFEGUARDS Act through the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Updates are also available on the sponsoring senators’ websites:
- Senator Chris Van Hollen: vanhollen.senate.gov
- Senator Jerry Moran: moran.senate.gov
- Senator John Boozman: boozman.senate.gov
- Senator Michael Bennet: bennet.senate.gov
For the full text of the SAFEGUARDS Act and the latest legislative updates, visit the official U.S. Senate website.
Conclusion: A Promising Step Toward Safer, Faster Travel
The SAFEGUARDS Act, or Senate Bill 2378, represents the most significant effort in recent years to fix long airport security lines in the United States 🇺🇸. By dedicating hundreds of millions of dollars each year to new technology and ending the diversion of security fees, the bill promises real improvements for travelers, airports, and the TSA.
With strong bipartisan support and backing from key industry groups, the bill stands a good chance of becoming law. If passed, travelers could see shorter lines and better security as soon as 2026. Until then, staying informed and planning ahead remain the best ways to handle busy airports.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the SAFEGUARDS Act could set a new standard for how the United States 🇺🇸 funds and manages airport security, making air travel safer and more efficient for everyone. Stakeholders across the industry are watching closely, hoping for swift action to meet the needs of today’s travelers and prepare for the future.
Learn Today
SAFEGUARDS Act → A Senate bill aiming to modernize airport security and dedicate funds exclusively to security improvements.
Passenger Security Fee → A fee collected from travelers to fund airport security enhancements and technology upgrades.
Explosive Detection Systems → Advanced machines used to detect explosives in checked luggage during airport security screening.
TSA PreCheck → A program providing expedited security screening for approved travelers at many U.S. airports.
Federal Grant Program → Government funding that airports can apply for to upgrade and expand security technology and facilities.
This Article in a Nutshell
The SAFEGUARDS Act, Senate Bill 2378, aims to reduce airport security wait times by investing $750 million yearly. It ends fee diversion, upgrades security technology, and offers grants to airports, promising faster, safer travel experiences backed by bipartisan support and industry leaders for approval in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
