Senate passes measure prohibiting preferential airport screening for lawmakers

The Senate has unanimously approved legislation to eliminate preferential TSA treatment for members of Congress, requiring them to undergo the same airport security screenings as ordinary citizens.

The U.S. Senate passed a bill by unanimous consent on Thursday to end the long-standing practice of allowing members of Congress to receive expedited security screening or bypass TSA checkpoints at airports. Introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), the “End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act” seeks to force lawmakers to face the same hours-long security lines as the general public, particularly as a Department of Homeland Security shutdown enters its 35th day and causes severe staffing shortages.

Cornyn argued that his colleagues would be more motivated to resolve the funding impasse if they shared the travel disruptions of their constituents, stating: “The only reason I can fathom, other than being completely out of touch, that our Democrat colleagues would do this is not all members of Congress are being forced to experience the same mess of their own making.” He further noted that “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.” The legislation, which would remain in effect even after the government reopens, now moves to the House for consideration.

READ MORE AT THE HILL