Legislation would ensure TSA Workforce Can Receive Paychecks During Government Shutdowns
From the Office of Congressman Nick Langworthy, pictured during a recent virtual town hall,
Washington, D.C. — March 18, 2026… Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced the introduction of the PAY TSA Act of 2026, legislation that would ensure Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers continue receiving pay and that airport security operations remain fully functional during government shutdowns by utilizing the existing 9/11 Passenger Security Fee already paid by airline travelers.
Airline passengers currently pay a nominal federal security fee–$5.60 for a one-way ticket and $11.20 for round-trip–on every ticket to support aviation security and the mission of the TSA. However, TSA operations and personnel funding still depend on the annual appropriations process. As a result, during government shutdowns, TSA officers are required to continue showing up to work, screening passengers and protecting airports, even when their paychecks are delayed.
The PAY TSA Act of 2026 would address this gap by ending the diversion of passenger-paid security fee revenues away from aviation security and instead dedicating those funds directly to sustaining TSA operations.
Specifically, the legislation would establish a Transportation Security Trust Fund to ensure that the security fees collected from travelers are used exclusively for aviation security purposes. In the event of a lapse in appropriations, the trust fund would allow TSA officers to continue receiving pay and support the continuity of airport screening and security operations nationwide.
Under the bill, funding would first be prioritized to compensate TSA personnel. Any remaining funds could then be used to strengthen aviation security through investments in technology upgrades and airport infrastructure improvements.
“This is now the third time in just six months that TSA agents have been forced to work without receiving a paycheck,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “These men and women serve on the front lines of our national security as the first line of defense in keeping our skies safe from terrorists and ensuring millions of Americans can travel safely every day. Morale and recruitment are taking a profound hit, and we’ve already lost more than 300 agents, putting the agency’s mission at grave risk. Instead of our respect and support, they have been faced with the impossible choice of not paying their bills or resigning from the jobs they love.”
He continued, “We shouldn’t have shutdowns in the first place, but until this reckless practice ends, making this change will help ensure that our hardworking agents get paid and that we retain the vigilant, professional workforce necessary to protect the traveling public. Doing nothing is a national security crisis waiting to happen.”
