S. 4422: Workforce Assurance for Transportation and Critical Homeland Personnel Act of 2026

The Workforce Assurance for Transportation and Critical Homeland Personnel Act of 2026 (also known as the WATCH Personnel Act of 2026) aims to provide financial support and better compensation for employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during a specific period of budget uncertainty. Here are the main elements of the bill:

Higher Pay for TSA Personnel

The bill mandates the following regarding salary:

• The minimum annual salary for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) will be set at $40,000 for fiscal year 2026.
• For fiscal year 2027 and subsequent years, the salary will be adjusted annually based on inflation, using the Consumer Price Index to determine any increases.

Continuing Appropriations for TSA

To ensure TSA personnel are paid during a budget lapse, the bill provides appropriations starting on February 14, 2026, allowing for the following:

• Standard rates of pay, allowances, benefits, and other regular payments for TSA employees will continue.
• A one-time $10,000 bonus will be awarded to each TSO who is employed and working for the TSA as of February 14, 2026.

Conditions on Bonuses and Payments

There are specific rules regarding bonuses and payments:

• The $10,000 bonus provided will not count as basic pay for retirement or other employee benefits.
• Employees cannot receive both the standard payments and the bonus from different funding sources during the same period.

Usage of Appropriated Funds

Expenditures made under the bill will count against future appropriations once enacted into law, ensuring compliance with budgetary rules and guidelines.

Termination of Appropriations

The appropriations provided under this act will cease to be available upon the occurrence of any of the following:

• The enactment of an appropriate funding law that covers the areas addressed by this act.
• The enactment of a resolutions or laws without such funding.
• On September 30, 2026, if no funding has been established.

Effective Date

The act is intended to take effect retroactively as if it were in place from February 13, 2026.

Relevant Companies

• None found