Congressional members would have to undergo the same Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening procedures that any airline passenger goes through under legislation introduced on Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA).
“Members of Congress should not be able to skip the line while their constituents wait,” said Rep. Hinson, who sponsored the End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026, H.R. 8049, which would require and prohibit the use of federal funds to provide U.S. senators and House members with expedited or preferential access at airport security checkpoints.
The bill is companion legislation to the same-named S. 4123, which the U.S. Senate unanimously approved on March 20.
“Thanks to Democrats’ political games, TSA agents are working without pay and many American families are facing four-plus hours wait times at airports during spring break,” Rep. Hinson said. “Some members of Congress are avoiding the chaos they’ve created by getting preferential treatment and skipping the lines at airports. My bill with Sen. John Cornyn will eliminate these perks and ensure they face the consequences of inaction.”
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 TSA or airport police.
However, during the current partial federal government shutdown and staffing shortages, TSA has suspended special escort services for them.
If enacted, the measure also would 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.
H.R. 8049 has been referred to the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee for consideration.