HR 9391: Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act of 2026

HR 9391 in plain English: This bill extends the Transportation Security Administration's Reimbursable Screening Services Program through FY2031 and expands it from up to 8 locations to up to 14 locations. The program allows TSA to be reimbursed for providing passenger screening services outside an airport terminal's existing primary screening area.

Stated purpose

To extend the TSA's Reimbursable Screening Services Program through 2031 and allow it to expand from up to 8 locations to up to 14 locations, so TSA can continue offering screening services outside standard airport terminal checkpoints and be reimbursed for doing so.

Key points

• Extends the TSA Reimbursable Screening Services Program through FY2031.
• Expands the pilot program from a maximum of 8 locations to up to 14 locations.
• Allows TSA to be reimbursed for screening passengers outside standard airport terminal screening areas.

Arguments supporters make

• The program lets TSA recover costs from those who request special screening services, reducing the burden on taxpayers who fund standard airport security.
• Expanding from 8 to 14 locations gives more airports and travelers access to flexible screening options that can ease congestion and improve convenience.
• The unanimous 30-0 committee vote suggests broad bipartisan agreement that the program has been working well and deserves to continue.

Arguments opponents make

• Expanding reimbursable screening could allow wealthier airports or private entities to effectively pay for premium TSA services, raising fairness concerns about unequal security access.
• Spreading TSA staff across more non-standard locations could stretch agency resources thin and divert personnel from primary security duties.
• Continuing a pilot program for years without a rigorous public evaluation of its effectiveness delays a full accounting of whether the program truly serves the public interest.

Tradeoffs

Allowing more locations to pay for expanded TSA screening brings in reimbursement revenue and added flexibility, but raises questions about whether directing TSA resources to fee-paying locations comes at the expense of consistent, uniform security coverage elsewhere.

Current status in Congress: In committee.