To require GAO to conduct annual assessments to determine the extent to which TSAs passenger security screening practices comply with TSA non-discrimination policies to identify any needed actions to improve compliance, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Al Green and 1 co-sponsor

Annual GAO assessments would measure TSA passenger screening for compliance with non-discrimination policies and identify actions to tighten fairness and reduce bias.

Introduced in House

Purpose

HR 8641 would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct annual assessments of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) passenger security screening practices to determine how well they comply with TSA’s non-discrimination policies. The goal is to identify any gaps or actions needed to improve compliance and reduce discriminatory or biased screening practices.

Key Provisions

Mandated GAO Assessments (Annual): The GAO must perform yearly evaluations of TSA passenger security screening procedures to assess alignment with TSA non-discrimination policies.

Scope of Review: The assessments would examine whether screening practices, policies, and their implementation:

Do not discriminate on protected characteristics (e.g., race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or other protected classes).
Are applied consistently and fairly across travelers.
Comply with existing TSA guidelines, as well as applicable federal civil rights and anti-discrimination laws.

Identification of Gaps and Actions: Each annual report should identify:

Any instances or patterns of non-compliance or potential discrimination.
Specific actions, recommendations, or corrective measures needed to enhance compliance (e.g., policy updates, training enhancements, monitoring, or oversight improvements).

Reporting Requirements: The GAO reports would be submitted to Congress, with findings and recommendations that may inform legislative or executive branch actions.

Other Provisions: While the primary focus is on non-discrimination in passenger screening, the bill may authorize related GAO oversight activities or data collection necessary to evaluate compliance.

Who Would Be Affected

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Subject to annual GAO assessments of its screening practices and potential corrective actions resulting from findings.

Air Travelers: Indirectly affected through any improvements in screening fairness and reduction of discriminatory practices.

Congress: Receive annual GAO reports with findings and recommendations that could influence oversight, policy, or funding decisions.

GAO: Charged with conducting the annual evaluations and producing formal reports.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Intro and Referral: Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security on April 30, 2026.

Sponsors:

Co-sponsors include Rep. Al Green and Rep. Shri Thanedar.

Process: After committee action, the bill would move through the standard House legislative process, potentially advancing to the floor for a vote and then to the Senate, subject to Senate consideration and passage.

Potential Impact

Oversight Enhancement: Strengthens congressional oversight of TSA’s compliance with non-discrimination commitments in passenger screening.

Policy Implications: Findings could prompt policy revisions, training programs, or procedural changes within TSA to ensure more uniform and non-discriminatory screening practices.

Transparency: Regular GAO reporting increases transparency regarding how screening practices affect travelers and whether civil rights protections are being upheld.

If you’d like, I can add a comparison to existing TSA non-discrimination policies or outline potential pros and cons based on typical GAO oversight outcomes.

Bill