Pappas Pushes Legislation to Ban Members of Congress from Cutting Airport Security Lines
Pappas is the first Democrat to sign onto this reform legislation to end special privileges for Congress not enjoyed by the traveling public
As Americans face long wait times and delays at America’s airports, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation, the End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act, introduced by Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02). This legislation would prevent members of Congress from getting preferential treatment by cutting the security line ahead of the traveling public. Members of Congress and other “political VIPs” have long been given special privileges at airports, including the ability to bypass long security lines.
“It is unacceptable for members of Congress or anyone in the public trust to expect special treatment of any kind, and that includes cutting the line at TSA to go ahead of travelers waiting for security screenings,” said Congressman Pappas. “As our TSA agents work hard through incredibly challenging conditions, members of Congress should not be afforded special treatment, which can cause further delays and disruptions. Americans continue to face skyrocketing costs under the Trump administration and Republican Congress. It only adds insult to injury for travelers to see their representatives, who are supposed to be making their lives better, literally leave them behind.”
In February 2024, Pappas strongly opposed an amendment offered by Senator Ted Cruz to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization legislation that would have allowed members of Congress and other “political VIPs” to get special privileges, including police escorts through airport terminals and expedited private security screenings.