hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Funds TSA officers during a shutdown and raises minimum salary to $40,000.
Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Commerce Committee.
Introduced in Senate, awaiting committee action.
This bill ensures TSA employees are paid and a $10,000 bonus is provided during a possible funding lapse starting Feb 14, 2026. It also sets the minimum salary for Transportation Security Officers at $40,000 for 2026, with annual inflation adjustments after that. Sponsored by Senator Lujan, it has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Introduced Apr 28, 2026
This bill has been introduced in its chamber of Congress. It has been assigned a bill number and referred to a committee for review. Most bills never advance past this stage. The committee may hold hearings, gather expert testimony, and amend the bill before deciding whether to send it to the full chamber for a vote.
If a shutdown occurs, TSA screening operations continue because officers are paid. The $40,000 minimum is an increase from current pay for some officers. The one-time $10,000 bonus is limited to officers employed as of Feb 14, 2026, and is not counted as basic pay for retirement or benefits. Future raises are tied to inflation, meaning pay roughly keeps up with rising costs.
Supporters Say
Supporters say it protects national security by ensuring TSA officers keep working during shutdowns and improves officer pay.
Critics Say
Critics argue it bypasses normal budget negotiations, adds to the deficit, and should be part of broader spending bills.
Supporters, including unions and Democratic leaders, highlight that essential airport security workers should not be forced to work without pay. Critics say the bill could encourage more shutdowns by reducing pressure to pass budgets, and the bonus is a costly handout that sets a precedent.