Legis Daily

WATCH Personnel Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4422| Senate 
| Updated: 4/28/2026
Ben Ray Luján

Ben Ray Luján

Democratic Senator

New Mexico

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill provides continuing appropriations for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure essential pay and operations during any lapse in appropriations beginning on February 14, 2026. It specifically allocates funds to cover standard rates of pay, allowances, and benefits for TSA employees. A significant provision includes a $10,000 bonus for every Transportation Security Officer employed and working for the TSA as of February 14, 2026, though this bonus will not count towards retirement or other benefits. Beyond immediate appropriations, the legislation mandates the establishment of higher pay rates for TSA personnel. The Administrator of the TSA is directed to set the minimum annual salary for a Transportation Security Officer at $40,000 for fiscal year 2026, to be implemented within 90 days of the bill's enactment. For subsequent fiscal years, this minimum salary will be adjusted annually to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index . The bill is designed to take effect retroactively, as if enacted on February 13, 2026, ensuring coverage for the specified lapse period.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 28, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 28, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
May 19, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8902
Introduced in House
  • April 28, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 28, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • May 19, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8902
    Introduced in House

Transportation and Public Works

Related Bills

  • S 119-4073: Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026
  • S 119-4127: Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026
  • HR 119-8902: WATCH Personnel Act of 2026

WATCH Personnel Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4422| Senate 
| Updated: 4/28/2026
This bill provides continuing appropriations for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure essential pay and operations during any lapse in appropriations beginning on February 14, 2026. It specifically allocates funds to cover standard rates of pay, allowances, and benefits for TSA employees. A significant provision includes a $10,000 bonus for every Transportation Security Officer employed and working for the TSA as of February 14, 2026, though this bonus will not count towards retirement or other benefits. Beyond immediate appropriations, the legislation mandates the establishment of higher pay rates for TSA personnel. The Administrator of the TSA is directed to set the minimum annual salary for a Transportation Security Officer at $40,000 for fiscal year 2026, to be implemented within 90 days of the bill's enactment. For subsequent fiscal years, this minimum salary will be adjusted annually to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index . The bill is designed to take effect retroactively, as if enacted on February 13, 2026, ensuring coverage for the specified lapse period.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 28, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 28, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
May 19, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8902
Introduced in House
  • April 28, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 28, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • May 19, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8902
    Introduced in House
Ben Ray Luján

Ben Ray Luján

Democratic Senator

New Mexico

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transportation and Public Works

Related Bills

  • S 119-4073: Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026
  • S 119-4127: Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026
  • HR 119-8902: WATCH Personnel Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted