The proposed amendments include adjustments to aviation security fees, setting them at $7.60 per one-way trip, with a cap of $15.20 for round trips. Moreover, there is a requirement for future fee adjustments based on inflation, which suggests that the TSA will have a predictable revenue stream that reflects economic conditions over time. Another significant aspect of the bill is the establishment of dedicated funds for various TSA activities, including a specific fund for the development of checkpoint security technology, thereby supporting innovation and improvements in airport security measures.
Summary
House Bill 3394, titled the 'Fund the TSA Act', aims to amend Title 49 of the United States Code with the goal of enhancing the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) capabilities in fulfilling its security responsibilities. A key provision of this bill is the regulation of aviation security fees, stipulating that fees collected from passengers will be dedicated to financing the costs associated with aviation security screening. This legislative measure is intended to ensure that funding is consistently available for crucial security operations at airports across the country.
Contention
During discussions surrounding HB 3394, notable points of contention emerged regarding the implications of increased fees on travelers and the overall effectiveness of the proposed allocation of resources. Some stakeholders argued that while enhancing security is paramount, raising fees may disproportionately affect low-income travelers. Additionally, there are debates about how the funds will be utilized effectively to improve security technology versus administrative costs. These considerations reflect a broader concern about balancing security needs with accessibility and fairness for all travelers.
American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 This bill provides certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) with a path to receive permanent resident status and contains other immigration-related provisions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall provide conditional permanent resident status for 10 years to a qualifying individual who entered the United States as a minor and (1) is deportable or inadmissible, (2) has deferred enforced departure (DED) status or temporary protected status (TPS), or (3) is the child of certain classes of nonimmigrants. The bill imposes various qualifying requirements, such as the individual being continuously physically present in the United States since January 1, 2021, passing a background check, and being enrolled in or having completed certain educational programs. DHS shall remove the conditions placed on permanent resident status granted under this bill if the alien applies and meets certain requirements, such as completing certain programs at an educational institution, serving in the military, or being employed. Furthermore, DHS and DOJ shall provide lawful permanent resident status to certain individuals who had TPS, were eligible for TPS, or were eligible for DED status on certain dates. Such individuals must meet certain requirements and apply for such status within three years of this bill's enactment. DHS may not use information from applications filed under this bill or for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status for immigration enforcement purposes. This bill also repeals a restriction that bars a state from providing higher education benefits to undocumented individuals unless those benefits are available to all U.S. nationals without regard to residency in the state.
Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a program to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses. Specifically, ED must establish a tax-exempt Military Education Savings Account for dependent children of parents in the uniformed services for the payment of the children's educational expenses. Funds in the savings account may be used for specified purposes, including the cost of attendance at a private elementary or secondary school or institution of higher education, private tutoring, or costs associated with an apprenticeship or other vocational training program.