New Bill Aims to Equalize Airport Treatment for Congress and Public
Amid the continuing partial government shutdown, a proposed bill seeks to hold Congress members accountable in the same way ordinary citizens are experiencing the effects. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) is putting forward the “Repeal of Congressional Special Treatment at Airports Act” in the House, paralleling a bill that recently passed in the Senate.
Hinson contends that lawmakers should not benefit from preferential treatment at airports during this ongoing funding stalemate, especially since they typically enjoy rapid testing and security protocols that bypass regular lines. She expressed concern over the impact of the shutdown, noting, “Thanks to Democratic political maneuvering, TSA agents are working without pay and many American families face wait times of four hours or more at airports during spring break.”
With travel disruptions mounting, the legislation aims to strip away special allowances for Members of Congress, asserting they should endure the same security checks as any other traveler. “Some MPs are avoiding the chaos they have caused by receiving preferential treatment or skipping airport lines,” Hinson added. Her legislation, in collaboration with Senator John Cornyn, would eliminate these advantages and make sure Congress faces the repercussions of their inaction.
The bill would explicitly prevent taxpayer funds from supporting any special privileges for lawmakers. Even after funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is restored, the same rules would apply, ensuring consistent treatment.
The introduction of this bill coincides with a significant 38-day closure—the second-longest in U.S. history—that has thrown American travelers into turmoil due to staff shortages at airports. This week marks the second consecutive pay period where TSA employees are working without compensation, leading many to take unpaid leave to balance their budgets. Reports indicate that over 400 TSA staff have quit since this funding halt began.
Airports from Houston to New York have experienced extensive security line delays, and the peak season of spring break is exacerbating these staffing issues. Hinson’s proposal is likely to gain traction in the House, although it’s uncertain when it will actually be put up for a vote. Cornyn expressed gratitude, saying, “I thank Congressman Hinson for joining my efforts to restore fair practices to all airport travelers.” He urged more members of Congress to support the initiative against this unfair privilege.
The Senate unanimously passed Cornyn’s related bill the previous week. As TSA has suspended certain escorts for Congress members due to budget constraints, they may still receive assistance from various groups at the airport.
Discussions surrounding DHS funding have become more active lately, but it seems that a resolution may still be some time away. Democrats are reluctant to back year-round funding proposals for DHS, as they push for immigration reform, while Republicans are opposing efforts to fund particular DHS sub-departments without addressing critical immigration and border security elements.
Meanwhile, Hinson is also in the race for the Senate seat left vacant by retiring Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), backed by former President Trump and the Republican campaign committee.
