Transportation Security Administration Transfer Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Tim Burchett and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would transfer TSA Administrator functions to the Secretary of Transportation, shifting leadership, oversight, and program authority under DOT.

Introduced in House

Overview

HR 8701, introduced in the 119th Congress and referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security on May 7, 2026, seeks to transfer the functions of the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to the Secretary of Transportation, along with other related purposes. The bill has co-sponsors Tim Burchett and Jared Moskowitz.

Purpose and intent

The primary aim appears to be realigning leadership and accountability for TSA by placing TSA’s functions under the Secretary of Transportation rather than through the current TSA Administrator.

The bill’s “other purposes” clause suggests additional, related changes to organizational structure, authority, or process within the transportation security domain, though specific provisions are not provided in the summary available here.

Key provisions and changes (as stated)

Transfer of functions: The core provision would move the statutory responsibilities and authority of the TSA Administrator to the Secretary of Transportation. This could affect how TSA decisions are made, who conducts certain operational or policy responsibilities, and who is responsible for TSA programs.

Potential ancillary effects: While not detailed in the summary, typical implications might include realignment of reporting lines, budgetary control, personnel governance, and oversight mechanisms, all shifting to the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Who/what would be affected

Transportation Security Administration: The agency would transition from reporting to an Administrator to reporting to the Secretary of Transportation.

Department of Transportation: Likely gains direct oversight and responsibility for TSA functions, including security screening policy, risk management, and related program implementation functions.

Employees and leadership: TSA personnel and leadership roles may undergo restructuring to align with the DOT’s organizational framework.

Stakeholders in air travel security: Airlines, airports, and the traveling public could experience changes in administrative processes, oversight, or policy implementation timelines, depending on how DOT adapts TSA programs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history indicates: Introduction in the House on May 7, 2026, followed by referral to the House Committee on Homeland Security on the same date.

No further committee actions, floor actions, or implementation timelines are provided in the current summary. If enacted, transitional timelines (e.g., phased transfer of authorities, personnel reassignments, and budget reallocation) would be determined by subsequent statutory language and any accompanying transition plans.

Potential implications and considerations

Federal structure and governance: Shifting TSA functions to the DOT could alter governance models, reporting structures, and oversight practices for transportation security.

Operational continuity: Key questions would include how security screening operations and regulatory responsibilities would be maintained during any transition.

Accountability and performance: The change could impact how performance metrics, funding decisions, and program priorities are set and evaluated.

If you have access to the bill’s full text or a summary of specific provisions, I can provide a more detailed, clause-by-clause analysis and map each provision to its practical effects.