H.R.2353 - Safer Skies Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2353, the Safer Skies Act of 2025, aims to enhance security screening requirements for certain air carrier operations. Specifically, it mandates that air carrier operations operating under parts 135 and 380 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, adhere to the Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program. This includes operations that offer individual seats in advance, provide publicly available schedules, operate airplanes with more than nine seats, and do not enplane or deplane in TSA-managed checkpoints.
The bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator to update relevant rules, guidance, and policies to comply with these expanded security measures. The goal is to improve aviation security by extending more stringent screening protocols to a broader range of air carrier operations.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 26, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be the expansion of security screening requirements for smaller air carrier operations. This will likely lead to increased operational costs for these carriers as they implement the mandated security protocols.
Passengers using these services may experience enhanced security measures, potentially including more thorough screening procedures. The TSA will need to revise its existing regulations and guidance to accommodate these changes.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Security: Increased security screening for smaller air carrier operations can deter potential threats and enhance passenger safety.
- Standardized Procedures: Applying the Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program ensures a consistent level of security across different types of air carrier operations.
- Improved Threat Detection: More comprehensive screening may lead to better detection of prohibited items or individuals posing a security risk.
- Increased Public Confidence: Enhanced security measures can increase public confidence in air travel, encouraging more people to fly.
- Proactive Security Measures: By addressing potential vulnerabilities in smaller air carrier operations, the bill takes a proactive approach to aviation security.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs: Implementing the Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program can be costly for smaller air carriers, potentially leading to higher ticket prices or reduced service.
- Operational Disruptions: Enhanced security screening may cause delays and disruptions to air carrier operations, inconveniencing passengers.
- Administrative Burden: The TSA will need to revise its rules and guidance, creating an administrative burden for both the agency and the affected air carriers.
- Potential for Overreach: The expanded security measures may be perceived as overly intrusive or burdensome by some passengers and air carriers.
- Limited Impact: If the threat level for these types of air carrier operations is low, the benefits of the expanded security measures may be limited.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly the government's responsibility to provide for the common defense and ensure domestic tranquility. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce, which includes air travel. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; however, security screenings at airports are generally considered reasonable due to the compelling government interest in preventing terrorism and ensuring passenger safety. The bill does not appear to infringe on any other constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).