The latest TSA figure shows that during 2023, air travelers left almost $1 million in small change at checkpoints. This is roughly double the amount left behind in 2012.
The bill would take several steps to tackle workforce issues that could cripple the national aviation system, but employee groups are warning they are insufficient.
The agency says it is addressing staffing shortages that have contributed to an unusually disruptive summer, but groups warn FAA is not sufficiently planning.
Among the requests are for administrative leave and travel reimbursement for federal workers who must travel across state lines to receive abortion services, as well as the ability to opt out of relocating to states that ban the procedure.
The Biden administration has repeatedly said there will be no federal mandate, but it may be difficult to sit on the sidelines as states and businesses develop their own policies, some experts say.