Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced legislation Tuesday to strip members of Congress of their airport security perks as TSA agents miss paychecks and American families face lines stretching hours at airport checkpoints across the country.
The bill, called the End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act, would ban taxpayer-funded expedited screening and security escorts for lawmakers during the ongoing DHS funding shutdown. A companion measure already passed the Senate by unanimous consent last Thursday.
“Thanks to Democrats’ political games, TSA agents are working without pay, and many American families are facing 4-plus-hour wait times at airports during spring break,” Hinson told Fox News Digital. “Some Members of Congress are avoiding the chaos they’ve created by getting preferential treatment and skipping the lines at airports.”
The partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security entered its 38th day Tuesday, making it the second-longest in U.S. history. The shutdown began Feb. 14 after Democrats refused to pass a full-year DHS funding bill.
This Friday will mark the second consecutive pay period that TSA officers receive no paycheck. More than 400 agents have resigned since the shutdown began, according to DHS figures released last week. Thousands more have called off shifts to pick up other work to cover their bills.
Houston, New York, and other major airport hubs reported security lines stretching four hours or more Monday as spring break travel hit its peak. TSA has already paused formal security escorts for lawmakers, though other entities may still be providing preferential access.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) who led the Senate version of the bill, praised Hinson’s effort. “I’m grateful to Congresswoman Hinson for joining my effort to restore fair practices for all airport travelers by introducing companion legislation in the House, and I urge other Members to support our mission to stop this unfair perk,” Cornyn said in a statement.
Hinson’s bill would require lawmakers to use the same standard security lanes as regular travelers and would keep those restrictions in place even after DHS funding is restored.
Republicans have blocked Democrat-backed attempts to fund specific DHS subagencies while leaving border security and immigration enforcement unfunded. Democrats have rejected a full-year DHS spending bill, stalling negotiations. DHS talks have reportedly picked up in recent days, but a resolution this week is not assured.
President Trump deployed ICE agents to airports Monday to help offset the TSA staffing shortage.
Hinson is running for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and has the backing of Trump and the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
