Congress votes on TSA funding every year, usually as part of larger spending bills

Congress does not pass a single bill called "TSA funding." Instead, the Transportation Security Administration receives money through annual appropriations bills that cover the entire Department of Homeland Security. These bills pass through both the House and Senate, and the President signs them into law. The TSA's budget request goes to Congress each year, and lawmakers decide whether to increase it, decrease it, or keep it flat.

The most recent complete appropriations bill covering TSA operations was passed in late 2023 for fiscal year 2024. Before that, Congress sometimes passed continuing resolutions—temporary spending measures that keep agencies running at the previous year's funding level while lawmakers negotiate the full budget. When Congress does not pass an appropriations bill by the start of the fiscal year (October 1), a government shutdown can occur, which affects TSA staffing and operations.

Key Takeaways

  • The TSA receives funding through annual Department of Homeland Security appropriations bills, not a standalone TSA bill.
  • Congress votes on these spending bills each fiscal year, and the President must sign them into law for the money to be released.
  • If Congress does not pass a budget by October 1, a continuing resolution may keep the TSA running at the previous year's funding level.
  • TSA funding covers screening operations, officer salaries, equipment, and technology upgrades at airports nationwide.
  • You can track current TSA funding status through Congress.gov or the Department of Homeland Security's official website.

Where TSA funding appears in the federal budget

The TSA is part of the Department of Homeland Security, so its budget is included in the DHS appropriations bill. This bill covers multiple agencies: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service, the Coast Guard, and others. Congress debates the total DHS budget, and within that total, lawmakers allocate specific amounts to each agency.

The TSA's portion of the DHS budget typically covers airport screening operations, which is the largest expense. This includes salaries for Transportation Security Officers, supervisors, and administrative staff; equipment like X-ray machines and metal detectors; technology systems for background checks and credential verification; and training programs. Congress also funds the TSA's PreCheck and CLEAR programs, which are fee-based but require federal oversight and infrastructure.

How the appropriations process works

Each spring, the TSA submits a budget request to the Department of Homeland Security, which then submits a combined DHS request to Congress. The House and Senate each have an Appropriations Committee with a Homeland Security subcommittee. These subcommittees hold hearings where TSA leadership explains what they need and why.

The House subcommittee votes on a bill, then the full House Appropriations Committee votes, then the full House votes. The Senate follows the same process. If the House and Senate pass different versions, they form a conference committee to reconcile the differences. Once both chambers agree on a final bill, it goes to the President. If the President signs it, the TSA receives the funding. If the President vetoes it, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers, though this is rare for appropriations bills.

What happens if Congress does not pass a budget on time

The federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. If Congress has not passed an appropriations bill by October 1, the government enters a shutdown unless lawmakers pass a continuing resolution. A continuing resolution is a temporary measure that funds agencies at the previous year's level (or sometimes a lower percentage) for a set period, usually a few weeks or months.

During a shutdown, the TSA continues to operate because it is considered essential to national security, but officers work without pay until the shutdown ends. This has happened multiple times in recent years—most notably in December 2018 and January 2019, when TSA officers worked for over a month without paychecks. A continuing resolution avoids a shutdown but can delay planned upgrades, hiring, or technology improvements because agencies cannot spend money on new initiatives.

Recent TSA funding votes and amounts

In December 2023, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2024, which included funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The TSA's budget for 2024 covered airport screening operations, officer salaries, and equipment maintenance. The exact dollar amount varies by fiscal year and depends on what Congress prioritizes—airport security upgrades, staffing levels, and technology investments all compete for funding.

Congress also votes on supplemental appropriations bills when unexpected needs arise. For example, after the September 11 attacks, Congress passed emergency supplemental bills to fund TSA operations and airport security improvements. More recently, Congress has voted on funding for airport infrastructure improvements and cybersecurity upgrades to TSA systems.

How to track TSA funding votes

You can follow TSA funding through Congress.gov, which lists all bills and votes. Search for "appropriations" and "Homeland Security" to find the relevant bills. The site shows which representatives and senators voted for or against each bill, and you can track a bill's progress from introduction through final passage.

The Department of Homeland Security's official website also publishes budget justifications and fact sheets explaining what the TSA's funding covers. The TSA's own website sometimes posts updates about budget priorities and operational changes. If you want to know whether Congress has voted to increase or decrease TSA funding in a given year, these sources will have that information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the TSA get funded separately from other DHS agencies?

No. The TSA is part of the Department of Homeland Security, so its funding comes through the annual DHS appropriations bill. Congress does not vote on a standalone TSA bill. However, within the DHS budget, Congress specifies how much money goes to the TSA versus other agencies like Customs and Border Protection.

What happens to airport security if Congress does not pass a budget?

The TSA continues to operate during a government shutdown because it is deemed essential to national security. However, officers work without pay until the shutdown ends. A continuing resolution prevents a shutdown but may delay new hiring, equipment purchases, or technology upgrades.

Can I find out how my representative voted on TSA funding?

Yes. Congress.gov shows all votes on appropriations bills, including the names of representatives and senators who voted for or against. You can search by bill number or by your representative's name to see their voting record on DHS and TSA funding.

Does TSA funding cover PreCheck and CLEAR?

Partially. PreCheck and CLEAR are fee-based programs, so users pay for enrollment. However, Congress funds the TSA's oversight, infrastructure, and technology systems that run these programs. The fees do not fully cover the programs' costs.