Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday would strip away one of the most enviable and widely publicized perks enjoyed by members of Congress – a speedy trip through airport security.
The “End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act,” introduced by Texas Senator John Cornyn, would require members of Congress to undergo the same TSA screening procedures as the general public.
In most cases, lawmakers can get expedited access to airport security checkpoints before their flight, essentially jumping to the front of the line. They also sometimes receive “courtesy escorts” through airport terminals provided by TSA agents or airport police.
Cornyn’s bill would effectively end those practices by prohibiting federal funding for any kind of preferential treatment. In a statement, the senator called congressional privileges at airports unfair, especially considering the long lines now facing many travelers due to TSA staffing shortages.
“Nobody should be above the rules and regulations imposed on the American people, and a member pin on your lapel should not give you carte blanche to skip airport screening lines while everyday Americans are forced to patiently wait their turn,” Cornyn said.
It was not immediately clear how many members of Congress would be affected if the bill became law. Some have standalone agreements with airports so they and their staff can clear security more efficiently, and others wait in line with the general public.
The “End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act” would not block lawmakers from using publicly available trusted flyer programs, such as TSA PreCheck.
Courtesy escorts for members of Congress have been suspended since the start of the partial federal government shutdown in February.
