New Survey: Americans Say TSA Funding Will Influence Their Vote
Survey of 2,000 voters shows 75% will consider candidates' aviation security records when voting, with 69% supporting independent TSA funding.
WASHINGTON - A new national survey released by the U.S. Travel Association, conducted by Morning Consult, reveals that aviation security—and the treatment of the workforce that protects it—is poised to play a decisive role at the ballot box, with a clear message from voters: they’ll remember in November.
75% of Americans say they are likely to consider a candidate’s record on aviation security when casting their vote in the next election. The sentiment is bipartisan, with virtually no significant differences across Democratic, Republican or Independent respondents.
These findings send a powerful signal: voters are paying attention and they’ll remember in November at the polls. How leaders support TSA officers and protect our aviation system isn’t abstract—it’s something voters are factoring directly into their decisions.
Geoff Freeman, President and CEO at the U.S. Travel Association
The data also highlights broad public support for ensuring stability and pay for essential aviation personnel. More than two-thirds (69%) of American voters support funding TSA officers and air traffic controllers independent of federal budget disputes.
These findings show how personal this issue is for Americans. Travelers see firsthand the role TSA officers play in keeping them safe and moving.
“When TSA officers miss a paycheck, Americans feel it—in longer lines, increased stress, and uncertainty around travel,” Freeman added. “This is about real people, real experiences and a system millions rely on every day.”
With public opinion clear and consistent across party lines, the U.S. Travel Association is urging Congress to pass legislation such as the Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R. 6086), the Aviation Funding Stability Act (S. 1045), and the Keep America Flying Act (S. 3031 / H.R. 5851) that would ensure Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers are paid during any future shutdowns.
“The American people have made their expectations clear,” said Freeman. “They want TSA officers and air traffic controllers paid—no matter what. Members of Congress are playing with fire when they hold the air travel system hostage to their intolerable disputes.”
About the Survey
This poll was conducted between March 27-March 29, 2026 among a sample of 2000 Registered Voters. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of Registered Voters based on gender by age, gender by children in household, race by educational attainment, educational attainment, marital status, home ownership, region, 2024 presidential vote, and race. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
About U.S. Travel Association
U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation's economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.