Congresswoman Ashley Hinson introduced the End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act on March 24, which would require members of Congress to go through the same Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening procedures as other airline passengers. The legislation would also prohibit federal funds from being used to give U.S. Senators and House members expedited or preferential access at airport security checkpoints.
The bill comes as some Americans have faced long wait times and travel disruptions at airports during a partial government shutdown, while certain members of Congress have received special treatment such as bypassing lines. Hinson said, “Thanks to Democrats’ political games, TSA agents are working without pay and many American families are facing four-plus hours wait times at airports during spring break. Some Members of Congress are avoiding the chaos they’ve created by getting preferential treatment and skipping the lines at airports. My bill with Senator John Cornyn will eliminate these perks and ensure they face the consequences of inaction. Members of Congress should not be able to skip the line while their constituents wait.”
Senator John Cornyn led companion legislation in the Senate, which passed unanimously on March 20. “Members of Congress should not receive special privileges to bypass normal TSA security screenings at airports, which is why I introduced and passed a bill out of the Senate last week to end this preferential treatment for good. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Hinson for joining my effort to restore fair practices for all airport travelers by introducing companion legislation in the House, and I urge other Members to support our mission to stop this unfair perk,” Cornyn said.
Historically, some lawmakers have received expedited screening or courtesy escorts through airport terminals provided by TSA or airport police. During recent staffing shortages caused by a partial federal government shutdown, TSA suspended these services for lawmakers.
The proposed act would require all congressional members to undergo standard screening procedures but allow them access to publicly available programs like TSA PreCheck if eligible. According to Ballotpedia, Hinson has represented Iowa’s 2nd district since replacing Abby Finkenauer in 2021 and previously served in Iowa’s state legislature from 2017-2021.
Additional biographical information shows that Hinson was born in Des Moines in 1983, currently lives in Marion according to KCRG, and graduated from the University of Southern California with a BA degree in 2004 as reported by congress.gov.
Supporters say that eliminating special privileges aims for fairness between elected officials and their constituents amid ongoing travel delays.