Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
Government Operations and Politics
Why This Matters
This bill moves Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees into the federal personnel system under title 5 of the United States Code. It aims to give TSA staff stable pay, benefits, appeal rights, and collective bargaining protections.
Who this affects
TSA employees · screening agents · federal air marshals
What changes is this bill making?
1Existing TSA personnel rules and policies stay in place until a set conversion date, but no new TSA-specific systems may be created after enactment.
2By December 31, 2025, TSA must repeal its separate personnel system and make all covered employees subject to title 5 rules on pay, leave, appeals, and collective bargaining under chapters 71 and 77.
3Current employees cannot have their basic pay or benefits reduced and will receive credit for prior service when placed in the General Schedule.
4Federal air marshals retain their special law enforcement availability pay and overtime protections under title 5.
5Covered employees with grievances or appeals in process can choose to continue under TSA or move to title 5 procedures, with timelines paused until title 5 rights apply.
6The Secretary must consult the screening agents’ exclusive representative and submit plans on conversion, background check harmonization, and retirement pay calculations.
7The Comptroller General must report on TSA recruitment, workforce diversity, harassment protections, and implementation of this law; the TSA Administrator must provide annual reports on employee satisfaction and retention.
8The Administrator must also report on assaults against screening agents and engage with federal air marshal organizations on mental health, morale, and equipment issues.
