H.R. 8049 — End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026

This section defines key terms for purposes of the Act, including (1) Administrator, meaning the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration; (2) Member of Congress, as defined in 5 U.S.C. §13101; (3) screening location, as defined in 49 C.F.R. §1540.5; and (4) Trusted Traveler Program, meaning Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS, or other U.S. government programs (including those implemented by TSA under Aviation and Transportation Security Act §109(a)(3)) that issue known traveler numbers validating low-risk status.

This section prohibits the Transportation Security Administration from using appropriated funds to provide or facilitate expedited or preferential access to security screenings required under 49 U.S.C. 44901 (i.e., screening of all passengers and property aboard passenger aircraft) for Members of Congress. It further requires Members of Congress to undergo standard Federal passenger and baggage screening procedures without exemption or priority access based on their official position.

This section provides a rule of construction stating that nothing in this Act (1) limits the Transportation Security Administration's authority to implement risk-based security programs available to the general public or (2) prohibits Members of Congress from participating in a publicly available Trusted Traveler Program (e.g., TSA PreCheck or Global Entry), provided such participation is not based on their official positions.

This section (1) directs the Administrator to update policies and procedures as necessary to ensure compliance with this Act; and (2) requires the Administrator to submit to Congress, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment, a report on the implementation of and compliance with this Act.