The Senate does fund the TSA, but not alone

The Transportation Security Administration receives its budget through annual appropriations bills passed by both the House and Senate. The Senate does not fund the TSA by itself — Congress as a whole must approve the money, and the President must sign it into law. The TSA's budget comes from two sources: general tax revenue (which Congress appropriates each year) and fees collected directly from airline passengers and shippers.

In recent years, the TSA budget has ranged between $7 billion and $8 billion annually, though the exact amount changes year to year depending on what Congress votes to fund. When Congress does not pass a budget on time, the TSA continues operating under a temporary funding measure called a continuing resolution, which keeps it running at the previous year's spending level until a permanent budget is approved.

Key Takeaways

  • The Senate and House must both pass an appropriations bill, and the President must sign it, for the TSA to receive federal funding each year.
  • The TSA is funded partly by general tax revenue and partly by fees passengers and shippers pay directly — not entirely by taxpayer money.
  • When Congress does not pass a budget on time, the TSA operates under a continuing resolution that maintains the previous year's funding level.
  • The TSA's annual budget has typically fallen between $7 billion and $8 billion in recent years, though Congress can adjust this amount.

How the appropriations process works

Each year, Congress must pass a budget that includes money for the TSA. This process usually begins in the House, where members propose spending levels for different agencies. The Senate then reviews and votes on its own version. If the two chambers disagree on the amount, they negotiate and produce a final bill that both must pass. The President then signs or vetoes the bill.

This process is supposed to happen before the fiscal year begins on October 1. When it does not — which happens frequently — Congress passes a continuing resolution instead. A continuing resolution is a temporary law that allows agencies like the TSA to keep spending money at the rate they spent it in the previous year, usually for a few weeks or months, until Congress passes a permanent budget.

Where TSA funding comes from

The TSA receives money from two distinct sources. The first is the general Treasury — tax revenue that Congress appropriates specifically for TSA operations. This covers most of the agency's costs, including employee salaries, equipment, and facility maintenance.

The second source is fees paid directly by travelers and shippers. The TSA collects a security fee from each airline passenger (currently $5.70 per one-way trip, capped at $11.40 for a round trip) and fees from cargo shippers. These fees go into a dedicated account and help offset the cost of screening operations. This two-source system means the TSA is not entirely dependent on annual congressional appropriations.

What happens when Congress disagrees on TSA funding

Disagreements over TSA funding are rare compared to disputes over other agencies, but they do occur. Some members of Congress have proposed reducing TSA staffing or shifting more costs to airlines and passengers. Others have pushed for increased funding to hire more officers or upgrade screening technology.

When Congress cannot agree on a budget, the TSA does not shut down — it continues operating under a continuing resolution. However, a continuing resolution can create problems: the agency cannot start new projects, hire permanent staff, or make long-term plans. If a continuing resolution lasts several months, it can slow modernization efforts and leave positions unfilled.

Recent funding trends and changes

After the September 11 attacks, TSA funding increased significantly as Congress prioritized airport security. In the years since, funding has generally remained stable, though it has fluctuated based on travel demand and security threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when air travel dropped sharply, TSA funding dipped because passenger fee revenue declined.

In recent years, Congress has funded increases in TSA staffing to reduce wait times at security checkpoints. These increases have come through both appropriations bills and supplemental funding measures. The TSA has also received money for technology upgrades, including new screening equipment and biometric systems.

How TSA funding affects airport operations

The amount Congress funds the TSA directly affects how many security officers work at each airport and how quickly passengers move through checkpoints. When funding increases, the TSA can hire more officers and open more screening lanes. When funding is tight or delayed, airports may operate with fewer officers and longer lines.

Passenger fees also influence service levels. Because the TSA collects fees directly from travelers, airports with higher passenger volume generate more fee revenue, which can support additional screening capacity at those locations. This creates a system where busier airports often have more resources, though Congress can adjust this through appropriations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the TSA get all its money from Congress?

No. The TSA receives funding from two sources: congressional appropriations (tax revenue) and fees collected directly from passengers and shippers. Passenger security fees currently total $5.70 per one-way trip. Together, these sources fund the agency's operations.

What happens to the TSA if Congress does not pass a budget?

The TSA continues operating under a continuing resolution, which allows it to spend money at the previous year's rate. However, it cannot start new projects or hire permanent staff during a continuing resolution. If the resolution lasts several months, it can delay modernization and leave positions unfilled.

Can the Senate defund the TSA?

The Senate alone cannot defund the TSA. Both the House and Senate must pass an appropriations bill, and the President must sign it. Either chamber could propose cutting TSA funding, but the other chamber and the President would have to agree.

How much does Congress fund the TSA each year?

The TSA's annual budget has typically ranged between $7 billion and $8 billion in recent years, though the exact amount varies depending on what Congress votes to fund. The budget can change year to year based on staffing needs, technology upgrades, and other operational priorities.

Do airline passengers pay for TSA screening?

Yes, in part. Passengers pay a security fee of $5.70 per one-way trip (capped at $11.40 for round trips). This fee goes directly to the TSA and helps fund screening operations. However, most TSA funding still comes from general tax revenue that Congress appropriates.