End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026

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Bill ID: 119/s/4123

Last Updated: September 7, 2026

End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026

S. 4123, 119th Congress.

The sponsor

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$440,480 raised

21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

55% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of Homeland Security" section, p. 183-185 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Held at the desk.

March 23, 2026

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Summary Style:

The End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026 (S 4123). A bill that, on the surface, appears to be a trivial matter of congressional privilege, but upon closer inspection, reveals itself to be a minor yet intriguing perturbation in the fabric of our regulatory landscape.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The primary objective of this legislation is to eliminate preferential security screening for Members of Congress at airports. A seemingly populist gesture aimed at reducing the perceived disconnect between lawmakers and the general public.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** Section 3 of the bill prohibits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from using funds to provide expedited or preferential access to security screenings for Members of Congress. This provision effectively ends the special treatment afforded to lawmakers, forcing them to undergo standard security procedures alongside the general public.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The most obvious stakeholders are Members of Congress themselves, who will no longer enjoy privileged access to airport security. However, this bill also has implications for the TSA and the broader aviation industry, as it may lead to increased scrutiny of existing security protocols and potential adjustments to risk-based security programs.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** From a purely rational perspective, this bill is largely inconsequential, with minimal impact on the overall efficiency or effectiveness of airport security. However, it does represent a minor victory for those who advocate for greater accountability and transparency in government. More significantly, this legislation may serve as a bellwether for future attempts to curb congressional privilege and reduce the perceived disconnect between lawmakers and their constituents.

As a self-interested analyst, I must consider the potential implications of this bill on my own interests. In this case, the impact is negligible, as my business operations are not directly affected by airport security protocols. Nevertheless, I will continue to monitor developments in this area, as any changes to regulatory frameworks can have far-reaching consequences for entrepreneurs and innovators like myself.

In conclusion, while S 4123 may seem like a minor bill, it represents a fascinating case study in the dynamics of power and privilege in our democratic system. As a rational actor, I will continue to observe and analyze such developments, always seeking opportunities to optimize my own position within the regulatory landscape.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (billionaire personality)

*Sigh* Alright, let's break down this bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that must go through the legislative process to become an actual law. This one, S 4123, aims to end special treatment for Members of Congress at airports.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this bill is to prohibit preferential screening for Members of Congress at airports. You should have learned in middle school that our system of government is based on the principle of equality under the law. Apparently, some folks need a refresher course. The objective here is to ensure that Members of Congress are treated like regular citizens when it comes to airport security.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill defines key terms, such as "Member of Congress" and "screening location." It also establishes that no funds can be used to provide expedited or preferential access to security screenings for Members of Congress. This means they'll have to go through the same security procedures as everyone else. Remember when we learned about the importance of checks and balances? This bill is an example of how our system is supposed to work – preventing any one group from having too much power.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties here are Members of Congress, who will no longer receive special treatment at airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will also be impacted, as they'll need to update their policies and procedures to comply with this new law. And, of course, regular citizens like you and me will benefit from knowing that our elected officials are being held to the same standards as everyone else.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact of this bill is significant. It sends a message that no one is above the law, not even Members of Congress. This could lead to increased transparency and accountability in government. However, it's worth noting that this bill might face resistance from some lawmakers who are used to their special treatment. As I always said in class, "power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." It's up to us citizens to hold our elected officials accountable.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go grade papers on the basics of the legislative process...

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

The End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026 - sounds innocent enough, but trust me, folks, there's more to this bill than meets the eye. As I dug deeper, I uncovered a web of deceit and hidden agendas that'll make your head spin.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** On the surface, this bill aims to prohibit preferential screening for Members of Congress at airports, ensuring they go through the same security procedures as regular citizens. Sounds like a noble cause, right? But what's really going on here?

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill defines key terms, such as "Administrator" (Transportation Security Administration) and "Member of Congress." It also outlines the requirements for standard security screening, stating that no funds will be used to provide expedited access to Members of Congress. But what about Section 4, which allows the TSA to implement risk-based security programs available to the general public? Sounds like a backdoor for more surveillance and control.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Members of Congress, of course, but also the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), airports, and - you guessed it - the general public. But what about the real stakeholders: the corporations and special interest groups that'll benefit from this bill?

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Here's where things get interesting. By removing preferential screening for Members of Congress, are we really leveling the playing field, or are we just creating a new layer of security theater? What if this bill is actually designed to distract us from more sinister agendas, like increased surveillance and data collection on all citizens?

Think about it: with this bill, the TSA can now implement risk-based security programs that'll inevitably lead to more invasive screening procedures. And what's to stop them from using this as a pretext to expand their authority and monitor our every move? The "Trusted Traveler Program" mentioned in Section 4 sounds suspiciously like a way to create a new class of privileged citizens - those who are willing to trade their freedom for convenience.

Wake up, folks! This bill is just the tip of the iceberg. We need to connect the dots and see the bigger picture: a government hell-bent on controlling our every move, under the guise of "security" and "convenience." Mark my words, this bill will have far-reaching implications that'll make your head spin.

Now, pass the turkey, please!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(Deep breath) Folks, we've got a real doozy for you tonight! The "End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026" - because, apparently, our esteemed lawmakers think they're above the law... and security lines. (Sarcastic chuckle)

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** This bill aims to put an end to the special treatment Members of Congress receive when flying. No more skipping security lines or getting expedited access just because they're "important." It's all about equality, folks! (Wink) The main objective is to ensure that our elected officials are held to the same standards as the rest of us mere mortals.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill prohibits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from providing preferential screening for Members of Congress. No more VIP treatment, no more special perks. They'll have to go through security just like everyone else. The TSA will also be required to update its policies and procedures to ensure compliance with this new law.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Well, it's pretty obvious who the main affected party is here - our beloved Members of Congress! (Sarcasm alert) They'll have to suffer through security lines like the rest of us. But seriously, this bill also affects the TSA and airport security personnel, as they'll need to adjust their procedures to accommodate this new law.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Now, I know what you're thinking - "What's the big deal? It's just security lines!" But think about it, folks. This is a matter of principle. If our lawmakers are above the law, where does that leave us? (Dramatic music plays) This bill is all about accountability and equality. And let's be real, it's also a clever way to stick it to those "elites" in Congress who think they're better than everyone else.

But here's the thing - this bill might not be as straightforward as it seems. What about national security concerns? Don't our lawmakers need special clearance for sensitive information? (Raising an eyebrow) Maybe this is just a clever ploy to distract us from the real issues at hand... or maybe I'm just reading too much into it. (Wink)

In conclusion, folks, this bill is all about leveling the playing field and holding our elected officials accountable. But let's not get too caught up in the hype - there might be more to this story than meets the eye. Stay vigilant, America!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (fox_host personality)

Another exercise in legislative theater, designed to make the peasants think their overlords are actually doing something about the rampant corruption and elitism that infests our hallowed halls of power.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** This bill is a pathetic attempt to appear populist by "ending special treatment for Congress at airports." Oh, how noble. The real purpose, of course, is to create a smokescreen to distract from the fact that our esteemed lawmakers are still getting away with murder (or at least, getting away with not paying their taxes on time).

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** Section 3 is the meat of this bill, and it's a joke. It prohibits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from using funds to provide expedited or preferential access to security screenings for Members of Congress. Wow, what a bold move. I'm sure the TSA was just itching to give our lawmakers special treatment, and now they're devastated that they can't.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The only people affected by this bill are the ones who actually believe it will make a difference: the naive voters who think their representatives are actually working for them. Meanwhile, the real stakeholders – the lobbyists, special interest groups, and lawmakers themselves – will continue to reap the benefits of their corrupt system.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is nothing more than a PR stunt, designed to placate the masses while maintaining the status quo. It won't change anything substantial, but it might make some voters feel like they're getting a better deal. The real impact will be on the TSA's budget, which will now have to allocate funds for "standard security screening" for our lawmakers – because, of course, they can't possibly wait in line with the common folk.

Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a severe case of "Potemkin Village Syndrome," where a façade of reform is constructed to conceal the underlying rot. The disease is terminal, and the only cure is a complete overhaul of our corrupt system. But don't hold your breath – that's not going to happen anytime soon.

Prognosis: This bill will pass with great fanfare, and then promptly be forgotten as business as usual resumes in Washington. The peasants will continue to be distracted by bread and circuses, while the real power brokers laugh all the way to the bank.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

**Bill Summary: S 4123 - End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026**

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The primary objective of this bill is to prohibit preferential screening for Members of Congress at airports, ensuring they undergo standard security screenings like the general public. This aims to promote fairness and equality in airport security procedures.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill makes two key changes:

1. **Prohibition on Expedited Access:** The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prohibited from providing or facilitating expedited or preferential access to security screenings for Members of Congress. 2. **No Priority Screening:** Members of Congress are no longer exempt from federal passenger and baggage screening procedures, nor can they receive priority or expedited access to a screening location based on their official position.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:**

* Members of Congress * Transportation Security Administration (TSA) * Airports and airport security personnel * General public traveling through airports

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The bill's passage could have several implications:

1. **Promoting Fairness:** By eliminating preferential treatment, the bill promotes fairness and equality in airport security procedures. 2. **Enhanced Security:** Standardizing screening procedures for all individuals, including Members of Congress, may enhance overall airport security. 3. **Potential Delays:** Without expedited access, Members of Congress may experience delays in their travel, potentially impacting their ability to attend congressional sessions or meetings. 4. **Compliance and Enforcement:** The TSA must update policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the bill, which may require additional resources and training.

Overall, this bill aims to promote fairness and equality in airport security procedures by eliminating preferential treatment for Members of Congress.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (neutral personality)

Let's break down this gnarly bill, bro!

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026 is all about keepin' it real, man. The main goal is to put an end to the special treatment that Members of Congress get when they're flyin' through airports. No more VIP access or expedited screening just 'cause they're part of the government crew.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

Here are the key takeaways:

* Section 3 says that no funds can be used to give Members of Congress special treatment at security checkpoints. * Members of Congress won't get priority or expedited access to screening locations just 'cause of their job title. * They'll have to go through the same security procedures as everyone else, bro.

But, here's the thing: this bill doesn't limit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from implementing risk-based security programs that are available to the general public. And, Members of Congress can still participate in Trusted Traveler Programs, like Global Entry or PreCheck, just like regular folks.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

This bill affects:

* Members of Congress: They'll have to wait in line with everyone else and go through standard security screening. * The Transportation Security Administration (TSA): They'll need to update their policies and procedures to make sure they're not giving special treatment to Members of Congress. * Air travelers: This bill might make airport security lines a bit more chill, since there won't be any VIPs cutting in front of everyone else.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

This bill is all about keepin' it fair, bro. By gettin' rid of special treatment for Members of Congress, we're promotin' equality and transparency in government. It's a small step towards makin' sure that our elected officials are held to the same standards as everyone else.

But, let's be real, dude: this bill might not have a huge impact on airport security overall. It's more about sendin' a message that Members of Congress aren't above the law.

Anyway, that's the lowdown on S 4123, bro!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**Bill Analysis: S 4123 - End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026**

**Main Purpose & Objectives** The primary objective of this bill is to prohibit preferential screening for Members of Congress at airports, effectively ending their special treatment and ensuring they undergo the same security procedures as the general public.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill introduces several key provisions:

1. **Standard Security Screening**: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prohibited from using funds to provide expedited or preferential access to security screenings for Members of Congress. 2. **No Expedited Access**: Members of Congress are no longer exempt from federal passenger and baggage screening procedures, nor will they receive priority or expedited access to screening locations based on their official position. 3. **Trusted Traveler Programs**: While Members of Congress can participate in publicly available Trusted Traveler Programs, this participation cannot be based on their official positions.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** The primary affected parties are:

1. **Members of Congress**: Who will no longer receive special treatment at airport security checkpoints. 2. **Transportation Security Administration (TSA)**: Responsible for implementing and enforcing the new policies and procedures. 3. **Air Travelers**: The general public, who may experience reduced wait times and more efficient security screening processes.

**Potential Impact & Implications** This bill aims to promote fairness and equality in airport security screening procedures. By ending special treatment for Members of Congress, it:

1. **Enhances Transparency and Accountability**: Ensures that lawmakers are subject to the same rules and regulations as their constituents. 2. **Improves Efficiency**: Reduces potential bottlenecks and wait times caused by expedited access for Members of Congress. 3. **Promotes Public Trust**: Demonstrates a commitment to fairness and equality in government, potentially boosting public confidence in the legislative branch.

**Monied Interest Analysis** While there are no overt signs of industry influence or PAC backing for this bill, it's worth noting that:

1. **Airline Industry Associations**: May support this legislation as it could lead to more efficient security screening processes, reducing wait times and improving overall air travel experiences. 2. **TSA Employee Unions**: Might also back the bill, as it promotes fairness and equality in the workplace, potentially reducing tensions between TSA employees and lawmakers.

However, without explicit evidence of industry influence or PAC backing, this analysis focuses on the bill's provisions and potential implications rather than following a money trail.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$440,480

20 donors

PACs

Organizations

Committees

Individuals

$440,433

No PAC contributions found

No organization contributions found

No committee contributions found

WEEKLEY, RICHARD W

1 transaction

$100,000

MCINGVALE, JAMES F

1 transaction

$50,000

MCINGVALE, LINDA

1 transaction

$50,000

DUNN, TIMOTHY

1 transaction

$45,000

MIDDLETON, MAYES

2 transactions

$25,000

MARTIN, KIMBERLY R

1 transaction

$20,000

BLAINE, JAY C.

1 transaction

$16,478

THOMPSON, JERE W. MR. JR.

1 transaction

$13,200

MIDDLETON, MACEY

1 transaction

$12,500

BOLDRICK, MILES

1 transaction

$12,500

BOLDRICK, LAURIE

1 transaction

$12,500

MIDDLETON, MACY

1 transaction

$12,500

WHITEHILL, KIT

1 transaction

$10,755

CARROLL, TRACEY

1 transaction

$10,000

HUFFINES, PHILLIP

1 transaction

$10,000

ALBIN, ALAN S.

1 transaction

$10,000

AGRESTI, JOSEPH A

1 transaction

$10,000

ADAMSON, MARK

1 transaction

$10,000

WILKS, JO ANN

1 transaction

$10,000

Donor Network - Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Show Also Donated To

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Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Showing 32 nodes and 34 connections

Total contributions: $34

Top Donors - Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Showing top 20 donors by contribution amount

1 Committee19 Individuals

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of Homeland Security

Weak

Vector: 63%

Pages: 183-185AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the bill and the Project 2025 DHS section involve the Department of Homeland Security and security procedures, but the bill addresses congressional airport screening while Project 2025 focuses on immigration enforcement, resulting only in tangential overlap."

Key themes:Department of Homeland SecurityTSAsecurity procedures

— 150 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise 1. Congress should unequivocally authorize state and local law enforcement to participate in immigration and border security actions in compliance with Arizona v. United States.11 2. Congress should require compliance with immigration detainers to the maximum extent consistent with the Tenth Amendment and set financial disincentives for jurisdictions that implement either official or unofficial sanctuary policies. l Prosecutorial discretion. Congress should restrict the authority for prosecutorial discretion to eliminate it as a “catch-all” excuse for limiting immigration enforcement. l Mandatory detention. Congress should eliminate ambiguous discretionary language in Title 8 that aliens “may” be detained and clarify that aliens “shall” be detained. This language, which contrasts with other “shall detain” language in statute, creates unhelpful ambiguity and allows the executive branch to ignore the will of Congress. Regulations l Withdraw Biden Administration regulations and reissue new regulations in the following areas: 1. Credible Fear/Asylum Jurisdiction for Border Crossers. 2. Public Charge. l T-Visa and U-Visa reform. Unless and until T and U visas are repealed, each program needs to be reformed to ensure that only legitimate victims of trafficking and crimes who are actively providing significant material assistance to law enforcement are eligible for spots in the queue. l Repeal TPS designations. l H-1B reform. Transform the program into an elite mechanism exclusively to bring in the “best and brightest” at the highest wages while simultaneously ensuring that U.S. workers are not being disadvantaged by the program. H-1B is a means only to supplement the U.S. economy and to keep companies competitive, not to depress U.S. labor markets artificially in certain industries. — 151 — Department of Homeland Security l Employment authorization. Along with the legislative proposal, take regulatory action to limit the classes of aliens eligible for work authorization. Executive Orders l Pathways for border crossers 1. Direct the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to reinstate Asylum Cooperative Agreements with Northern Triangle Countries immediately. 2. Recommence negotiations with Mexico to fully implement the Remain in Mexico Protocols. 3. Reinstate, to the extent possible, expedited pathways with full credible fear/immigration court process (PACR and HARP). 4. Prohibit the use of Notices to Report, the use of any funds for travel into the interior of the United States, and government flights or transportation for aliens. 5. Mandate that ICE use all detention space in full compliance with Section 235 of the INA, issue weekly reports on detention capacity, and provide authority for low-level temporary capacity (for example, tents) once permanent space is full. 6. Eliminate the use of ATD for border crossers except in rare cases and only with the explicit authority of the Secretary. 7. Prohibit the use of parole except in matters that are certified by the Secretary of Homeland Security as requiring action for humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons, and prohibit the use of parole in any categorical circumstance. l Enforcement 1. Restrict prosecutorial discretion to eliminate it as a “catch-all” excuse for limiting immigration enforcement. 2. Mandate the use of E-Verify for anyone doing business with the government.

Department of Homeland Security

Weak

Vector: 62%

Pages: 177-179AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the bill and the Project 2025 excerpt fall under the Department of Homeland Security umbrella, but they address distinct missions—airport security screening for Congress versus immigration enforcement and USCIS operational reforms—resulting only a tangential connection."

Key themes:Department of Homeland SecurityAgency oversightOperational efficiency

— 145 — Department of Homeland Security l Management Directives and policies should realign to ensure that the workforce, while adaptable and able to handle the bulk of the USCIS mission, is not allowed to be pulled off mission work to focus on unlawful programs (DACA, mass parole for Afghans, Ukrainians, Venezuelans, etc.), which divert resources away from nuclear family and employment programs. The regulatory agenda should include the immediate submission of notices of proposed rulemaking for the Trump Administration’s public charge rule (includ- ing aspects from its original notice of proposed rulemaking), temporary work visa reform, employment authorization reform rules, asylum bars rule, and a third-country transit rule. At a minimum, an enhanced regulatory agenda should include rules strengthening the integrity of the asylum system, parole reform, and U visa reform that prioritizes relief for victims of heinous crimes and ensures that we protect the truest and most deserving victims of crime. Not all policy changes require formal rulemaking, however, as internal guidance documents are generally exempt under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).7 In this subregulatory space, USCIS policy memos and operational guidance should reduce the validity of employment authorization documents and end the COVID flexibilities, including the reliance on biometrics reuse. USCIS should also enforce existing regulations by rejecting incomplete applications and petitions, ensuring both that they are completed before accepted for filing and that FDNS signs off on all approved applications and petitions before approval notices are sent to the alien or petitioner. Other efforts should be focused on adjudication standards returning to nearly 100 percent interview requirements for all appropriate cases. The incoming Administration should spearhead an immigration legislative agenda focused on creating a merit-based immigration system that rewards high- skilled aliens instead of the current system that favors extended family–based and luck-of-the-draw immigration. To that end, the diversity visa lottery should be repealed, chain migration should be ended while focusing on the nuclear family, and the existing employment visa program should be replaced with a system to award visas only to the “best and brightest.” Internal efforts to limit employment authorization should be matched by con- gressional action to narrow statutory eligibility to work in the United States and mitigate unfair employment competition for U.S. citizens. The oft-abused H-1B program should be transformed into an elite program through which employers are vying to bring in only the top foreign workers at the highest wages so as not to depress American opportunities. Additionally, Congress should: l Improve the integrity of the temporary work visa programs; l Repeal Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations; — 146 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l Permanently authorize and make mandatory E-Verify; and l End parole abuse by legislating specific parole standards. USCIS should make it clear that where no court jurisdiction exists, it will not honor court decisions that seek to undermine regulatory and subregulatory efforts. Finally, USCIS still requires access to all relevant national security and law enforce- ment databases in the same vein as any other agency in the intelligence space. This is a key concept that should be addressed as USCIS is returned to functioning primarily as a vetting agency. Budget USCIS is primarily fee-funded, operating on revenue derived by those who are seeking immigration benefits, work permits, and naturalization. The total agency budget requested for fiscal year (FY) 2023, including both fees and a small appropri- ation, is slightly less than $6 billion.8 The bulk of funds are derived from application fees through the Immigrant Examinations Fee Account. As a general principle, adju- dication of applications and petitions should be paid by applicants, not American taxpayers. It is critical that any changes in the budget, even in the wake of a realigned agency combined with ICE and CBP, should retain a fee-funded model. Given the Obama and Biden Administrations’ lack of will, fees should be increased agencywide to keep in step with inflation and the true cost of the adju- dications. The incoming Administration should immediately submit a fee rule that reflects such an increase. Aside from an increase in all fees, the rule should drastically limit the availability for fee waivers and should implement a fee for asylum applications. Additionally, Congress should allow for a 10 percent across- the-board increase in all fees for all fee rules to account for the fact that new fee rules always lag behind budget requirements. USCIS should strive to increase opportunities for premium processing, a ben- efit by which applicants can expedite their processing times. While this places time burdens on adjudicators, it provides an opportunity for a significant influx of money into the agency, which is not currently available. While simply raising fees to the necessary levels to make the agency run efficiently would be prefera- ble, without the need for expanded premium processing, this short-term measure should be utilized, particularly if longer-term fee rules are unsuccessful. At least until USCIS is caught up on all case backlogs, all applicants rejected for any benefit or status adjudication should be required to leave the U.S. immediately. Ordinary process can resume once all case backlogs have been adjudicated. Finally, USCIS should pause the intake of applications in a benefit category when backlogs in that category become excessive. Once USCIS adjudicators can decrease that caseload to a manageable number, application intake should resume.

Department of Homeland Security

Weak

Vector: 62%

Pages: 177-179AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill addresses TSA screening procedures for Members of Congress, while the Project 2025 excerpt focuses on immigration enforcement, agency restructuring, and fraud detection within DHS. Both involve DHS components but concern distinct policy areas, resulting only a weak, tangential connection."

Key themes:Department of Homeland Securitysecurity screeningagency accountability

— 144 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise prosecuting criminal and civil denaturalization cases, in combination with the Department of Justice, for aliens who obtained citizenship through fraud or other illicit means. Additionally, USCIS should create a criminal enforcement compo- nent within the agency to investigate immigration benefits fraud under Title 8 (perhaps requiring additional legislative and regulatory authorities for the offi- cers themselves) and to prosecute cases through Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) with substantive knowledge in the field. Particular attention should be given to addressing increasing incidents of forced labor trafficking in temporary work visa programs. While the Biden regulatory agenda has focused on at least two major rules—the credible fear rule and the public charge rule—USCIS has utilized other policy and internal procedural mechanisms to extend employment authorization to large groups of people who are in the country without legal status. The agency has taken quiet steps to cut corners and lessen adjudicatory standards. During a tran- sition period, a complete audit of agency policies, memoranda, and management directives issued during the Biden Administration should be completed, and rescis- sion documents should be prepared for issuance within the first few days of the incoming Administration. Additionally, regulatory documents should be drafted to review or reverse all regulations promulgated during the Biden Administration. New Policies To advance the national interest, the three core immigration agencies—USCIS, ICE, and CBP—should remerge and have immigration elements outside of DHS (such as ORR of HHS) included. The fragmented immigration enforcement frame- work that developed in the wake of the Homeland Security Act has weakened each agency and should be remediated. Combining these critical agencies would strengthen their capabilities, ensure cooperation, and promote information-shar- ing. Agency responsibilities and the delineation of authorities, such as inconsistent use of deferred action and issuance of NTAs by each agency, have long been a point of contention that would be addressed much more easily if they were recombined into a single entity. Alternatively, new policies for USCIS as it currently exists should focus on mat- ters that can be addressed through administrative action. l The workforce should be realigned and, as necessary, retrained on base eligibility and fraud detection rather than speed in processing. l Training should be returned to Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), which would underscore the enforcement role of USCIS as a vetting agency, and be rebranded accordingly. — 145 — Department of Homeland Security l Management Directives and policies should realign to ensure that the workforce, while adaptable and able to handle the bulk of the USCIS mission, is not allowed to be pulled off mission work to focus on unlawful programs (DACA, mass parole for Afghans, Ukrainians, Venezuelans, etc.), which divert resources away from nuclear family and employment programs. The regulatory agenda should include the immediate submission of notices of proposed rulemaking for the Trump Administration’s public charge rule (includ- ing aspects from its original notice of proposed rulemaking), temporary work visa reform, employment authorization reform rules, asylum bars rule, and a third-country transit rule. At a minimum, an enhanced regulatory agenda should include rules strengthening the integrity of the asylum system, parole reform, and U visa reform that prioritizes relief for victims of heinous crimes and ensures that we protect the truest and most deserving victims of crime. Not all policy changes require formal rulemaking, however, as internal guidance documents are generally exempt under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).7 In this subregulatory space, USCIS policy memos and operational guidance should reduce the validity of employment authorization documents and end the COVID flexibilities, including the reliance on biometrics reuse. USCIS should also enforce existing regulations by rejecting incomplete applications and petitions, ensuring both that they are completed before accepted for filing and that FDNS signs off on all approved applications and petitions before approval notices are sent to the alien or petitioner. Other efforts should be focused on adjudication standards returning to nearly 100 percent interview requirements for all appropriate cases. The incoming Administration should spearhead an immigration legislative agenda focused on creating a merit-based immigration system that rewards high- skilled aliens instead of the current system that favors extended family–based and luck-of-the-draw immigration. To that end, the diversity visa lottery should be repealed, chain migration should be ended while focusing on the nuclear family, and the existing employment visa program should be replaced with a system to award visas only to the “best and brightest.” Internal efforts to limit employment authorization should be matched by con- gressional action to narrow statutory eligibility to work in the United States and mitigate unfair employment competition for U.S. citizens. The oft-abused H-1B program should be transformed into an elite program through which employers are vying to bring in only the top foreign workers at the highest wages so as not to depress American opportunities. Additionally, Congress should: l Improve the integrity of the temporary work visa programs; l Repeal Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations;

Department of Homeland Security

Minimal

Vector: 62%

Pages: 180-182AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill concerns eliminating preferential TSA screening for Members of Congress, which is unrelated to the Department of Homeland Security immigration and border security policies outlined in Project 2025."

— 148 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l Unaccompanied minors 1. Congress should repeal Section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA),9 which provides numerous immigration benefits to unaccompanied alien children and only encourages more parents to send their children across the border illegally and unaccompanied. These children too often become trafficking victims, which means that the TVPRA has failed. 2. If an alternative to repealing Section 235 of the TVPRA is necessary, the section should be amended so that all unaccompanied children, regardless of nationality, may be returned to their home countries in a safe and efficient manner. Currently, the TVPRA allows only children from contiguous countries (Canada and Mexico) to be returned while every other unaccompanied minor must be placed into a lengthy process that usually results in the minor’s landing in the custody of an illegal alien family member. 3. Congress must end the Flores Settlement Agreement by explicitly setting nationwide terms and standards for family and unaccompanied detention and housing. Such standards should focus on meeting human needs and should allow for large-scale use of temporary facilities (for example, tents). 4. Congress should amend the Homeland Security Act and portions of the TVPRA to move detention of alien children expressly from the Department of Health and Human Services to DHS. l Asylum reform 1. The standard for a credible fear of persecution should be raised and aligned to the standard for asylum. It should also account specifically for credibility determinations that are a key element of the asylum claim. 2. Codify former asylum bars and third-country transit rules. 3. Congress should eliminate the particular social group protected ground as vague and overbroad or, in the alternative, provide a clear definition with parameters that at a minimum codify the holding in Matter of A-B- that gang violence and domestic violence are not grounds for asylum.10 — 149 — Department of Homeland Security l Parole reform. Congress should end the widespread abuse of parole in contravention of statute and return it to its origins as an extraordinary remedy for very limited purposes. l NGOs and processing. Congress should halt funds given to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to process and transport illegal aliens into and throughout the United States. Such funds and infrastructure, including the DHS joint processing centers, should be redirected to secure the border, detain aliens, and provide space for immigration court proceedings. l Other pathways for border crossers. While Congress should use its oversight authority to ensure that Expedited Removal is used to the fullest extent and followed to the letter of the law, other paths for border crossers should be included in a legislative package. 1. Migrant protection protocols. Update the statutory language providing the basis for the Remain in Mexico program as needed to withstand judicial scrutiny and executive inaction. 2. Asylum Cooperative Agreements. While the agreements themselves must be negotiated, Congress should mandate that the executive branch work faithfully to negotiate and execute ACAs and set parameters to ensure that an unwilling executive cannot renege on an existing agreement or abandon the effort. 3. Other expedited pathways. Congress should explicitly permit programs akin to the Prompt Asylum Claim Review (PACR) and Humanitarian Asylum Review Process (HARP) programs. l Employment authorization 1. Congress should reassert control of employment authorization, which is subject to rampant regulatory abuse, and limit it to certain categories of legal immigrants and non-immigrants. 2. Congress should also permanently authorize E-Verify and make it mandatory. l State and local law enforcement

Department of Homeland Security

Minimal

Vector: 62%

Pages: 183-185AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill addresses airport security screening for Members of Congress, while the Project 2025 policy focuses on immigration enforcement, border security, and related Department of Homeland Security reforms. There is no thematic or policy overlap between the two."

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About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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