{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-delivers-house-victory-aviation-security", "Strong Delivers House Victory for Aviation Security", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Dale W. Strong", "S001220", "strong.house.gov", "strong", "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation led by Representative Dale Strong to ensure passenger security fees are reinvested in aviation and airport security.\n\n\u201cThe SAFEGUARDS Act is about restoring accountability and keeping a promise to the American traveling public. Every day, millions of passengers pass through our nation\u2019s airports and pay a security fee with the expectation that those dollars will be used to strengthen aviation security,\u201d said Representative Strong. \u201cAs threats continue to evolve, we must continue investing in the technologies and systems our airports need to maintain confidence in the safety of air travel.\u201d\n\nFor years, revenue generated by the Transportation Security Administration\u2019s (TSA) 9/11 Passenger Security Fee has been diverted away from its original purpose. The $5.60 fee, paid by every passenger on a one-way ticket, was first implemented to fund aviation security improvements and upgrades nationwide. However, since 2014, approximately $15 billion in fee revenue has been redirected to unrelated, non-security purposes.\n\nThe SAFEGUARDS Act restores the fee\u2019s intent by allocating $500 million annually for checked bag explosive detection systems and $250 million for checkpoint technology upgrades, ensuring this revenue goes toward protecting American skies.\n\n\u201cHouse passage of this legislation helps ensure those resources are directed toward their intended purpose, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it across the finish line,\u201d Strong continued.\n\nThe SAFEGUARDS Act is supported by a broad coalition of aviation and travel leaders, including the Huntsville International Airport, Airlines for America, American Airlines, U.S. Travel Association, Southwest Airlines, Airport Council International\u2013North America, and the American Association of Airport Executives.\n\nThe legislation passed the House unanimously. It now awaits consideration in the Senate.\n\nAdditional information and quotes of support regarding Representative Strong\u2019s introduction of the SAFEGUARDS Act may be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-delivers-house-victory-aviation-security"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 2.5557600893080235, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}