The Abolish TSA Act of 2025 would eliminate the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) three years after enactment and replace its core airport-security functions with private screening contractors. In the interim, and as part of a broader reorganization, the bill would create an Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the Federal Aviation Administration to oversee aviation security activities (while private companies would handle screening). It would also transfer surface-transport security functions (mass transit, freight rail, highway motor carriers, pipelines) from DHS to the Department of Transportation (DOT). A detailed reorganization plan would be required within 90 days, outlining steps to privatize screening, transfer equipment, reduce TSA operations and personnel, and move aviation security oversight to a new FAA office. The bill also establishes a formal congressional review process for the plan and mandates regular reporting to Congress and GAO on progress and compliance. In short, the bill envisions dissolving TSA, shifting airport screening to private contractors under FAA oversight, and moving surface-transport security functions to DOT, with a structured timeline and oversight mechanisms to guide the transition.
Key Points
- 1Abolish TSA: The Administration (TSA) would be abolished three years after enactment, with all programs and functions under its authority repealed at that time.
- 2Privatize airport security: Airport security screening would be transferred to qualified private screening companies, with a new oversight framework; the plan cannot compel private screeners to conduct warrantless searches or seizures.
- 3New FAA oversight office: The reorganization plan would create the Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the FAA, headed by a Director, to oversee aviation security activities described in 49 U.S.C. 44920, while private screeners would not perform screening themselves.
- 4Surface-transport transfer to DOT: Functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities related to surface transportation security (mass transit, freight rail, highway motor carriers, pipelines) would be transferred to the Department of Transportation.
- 5Reorganization plan and oversight: A detailed plan must be submitted within 90 days, including transfer and staffing steps, and reporting requirements to Congress and GAO on progress and compliance, with periodic updates.