Airport Alert: FY25 DHS Appropriations Bill Released; Good News for Airports
FY25 DHS Appropriations Bill Released; Good News for Airports
June 3, 2024
This morning, in advance of the House Department of Security (DHS) Appropriations Subcommittee considering its fiscal year 2025 (FY25) bill tomorrow morning, the Subcommittee released its draft bill and a summary. The bill provides $64.81 billion, $2.2 billion above the budget request for DHS, including funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
AAAE and airport advocacy in support of additional TSA funding were successful! The Subcommittee has restored funding for several critical airport priorities. Once again, thank you for all of your efforts.
Transportation Security Administration:
In total, the draft bill recommends $11.5 billion for TSA, $922 million above the FY24 enacted level and $37 million above the budget request. Funding highlights include:
• $45.9 million to restore the Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program.
• $34.1 million to restore the state and local-led canine reimbursement program.
• $175.2 million for computed tomography systems to screen carry-on baggage at passenger checkpoints, almost doubling the funding level as compared to the budget request.
• $6.42 billion for the frontline screening workforce. Within this funding, it appears the Subcommittee maintained funding for TSA to staff exit lanes as required by statute, but we are still trying to verify that.
• The draft bill eliminates the Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response Program, as requested in the budget.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
The draft bill recommends $18.26 billion for CBP, which is $1.36 billion below the FY24 enacted level and $1.75 billion above the budget request. The draft bill summary does not highlight funding for new CBP officers, which means they approved the request of 150 officers, not more as AAAE had requested. The bill also continues the overtime cap of $45,000.
What’s Next?
The Subcommittee will consider the bill at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Typically, this is a short meeting, and no amendments are considered.
On Wednesday, June 12, the House Appropriations Committee will consider the FY25 DHS appropriations bill. This will be a more lengthy and contentious process.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has not yet announced plans to begin considering the FY25 budget request.
Links:
• Bill
• Subcommittee Bill Summary
