Senate Passes Bill Removing Preferential Airport Screening for Lawmakers

On the Senate floor, Sen. John Cornyn argued that the current system was unfair, particularly as travelers face longer lines and delays.

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington on March 19, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

The Senate passed a bill on March 19 to end preferential airport security treatment for members of Congress.

The bill, introduced by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), comes amid a 35-day partial shutdown of most Department of Homeland Security agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).