H.R. 7941 — Pay TSA Act of 2026

This section repeals provisions in 49 U.S.C. §44940(f) and (i) that previously permitted diversion of passenger security fees (i.e., the "9/11 Security Fee" of $5.60 per one-way trip, not to exceed $11.20 per round trip, imposed on passengers at U.S. airports to fund TSA aviation security services such as screening personnel, training, air marshals, and related costs). This section establishes in the Department of Homeland Security the Transportation Security Trust Fund, into which all 9/11 Security Fee collections are deposited and made available without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation solely for TSA aviation security activities (e.g., personnel salaries and training, passenger and baggage screening, checkpoint technology, airport infrastructure, and research and development), prohibiting transfers to the general fund of the Treasury or use for deficit reduction. This section authorizes Fund amounts to remain available without further appropriation during a lapse in TSA appropriations to maintain aviation security operations at prior fiscal year rates and subject to prior terms and conditions, prioritizing (1) Transportation Security Officer salaries, benefits, overtime, and staffing for screening; with remaining amounts for (2) security technology procurement and deployment, baggage screening equipment, airport system maintenance, and airport grants. This section further establishes within the Fund the Aviation Security Technology and Infrastructure Account, with amounts available until expended solely for technology and infrastructure investments after satisfying personnel and operational funding requirements under specified priorities.