WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act, which would require Members of Congress to undergo the same Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening procedures as all other airline passengers and prohibit the use of federal funds to provide U.S. Senators and House members with expedited or preferential access at airport security checkpoints:

“Nobody should be above the rules and regulations imposed on the American people, and a Member pin on your lapel should not give you carte blanche to skip airport screening lines while everyday Americans are forced to patiently wait their turn,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to end the unfair practice of allowing Members of Congress to receive expedited airport security screening, and I urge my colleagues to join me in restoring democracy at the TSA security line.”

Background:

Historically, Members of Congress have received special treatment at airports, including expedited security screening. In some cases, they also receive “courtesy escorts” through airport terminals provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or airport police. Amid the partial federal government shutdown and staffing shortages, the TSA suspended special escort services for Members of Congress. The ongoing partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has brought to light the fundamental issue of fairness between Americans – who have been forced to wait in hours-long security screening lines, endure travel disruptions, and face grueling flight delays – and the Members of Congress who represent them.

The End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act would:

• Require Members of Congress to undergo the same TSA screening procedures as all other airline passengers and prohibit the use of federal funds to provide them with expedited or preferential access at airport security checkpoints;
• Bar Members from bypassing standard screening or receiving priority treatment based on their official status, while allowing them to continue participating in publicly available programs such as TSA PreCheck or other trusted traveler programs;
• And maintain TSA’s ability to implement risk-based security programs available to the public.