Senators Markey and Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Increase Funding for Aviation Security

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today introduced the Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act, which will ensure that revenues collected from aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security, including screening equipment, personnel, and research and development. In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Congress established the September 11 Security Fee to help finance the cost of securing the nation's aviation transportation system. However, in 2013, Congress began diverting approximately 1/3rd of the revenue generated by these security fees for deficit reduction. From 2014-2027, nearly $20 billion of security fees will be diverted for deficit reduction - that includes $1.3 billion diverted this fiscal year alone. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (OR-04) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.