Cornyn Bill Would End Special TSA Treatment for Congress Members

Washington — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn introduced the End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act on Wednesday, aiming to eliminate preferential Transportation Security Administration screening for lawmakers amid a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

The bill prohibits federal funds for expedited access or courtesy escorts by TSA or airport police, while allowing members of Congress to use public programs such as TSA PreCheck. "No one should be above the rules and regulations imposed on the American people," Cornyn said, particularly while everyday citizens face hours-long waits due to staffing shortages.

The legislation comes as public frustration grows over inequities during flight delays and disruptions caused by unpaid TSA staff. The act seeks to restore fairness at TSA security lines by removing status-based priority access for federal lawmakers, following historical instances where Congress members received courtesy escorts bypassing standard screening procedures.