Sponsor
Thomas Kean
Representative · R-NJ
Representative · R-NJ
Official title: To prohibit the use of official funds for airline accommodations for Members of Congress which are not coach-class accommodations, and for other purposes.
Introduced September 3, 2026 by Thomas Kean · Last progress September 3, 2026
The bill reduces taxpayer travel costs and standardizes congressional travel rules, at the cost of added administrative work and potential inconvenience or expense for some Members and their offices.
Taxpayers will likely see lower federal spending on congressional travel because the bill encourages coach travel, reducing taxpayer-funded travel costs.
Federal employees and congressional offices will have clearer, more consistent travel rules because the House and Senate committees are required to issue regulations, improving transparency and predictability for official travel policy.
Some Members of Congress with legitimate non-medical needs (for example, senior or mobility-limited members) may face discomfort or hardship if restricted to coach seating.
Offices or Members who require scheduling flexibility or additional security accommodations may incur incremental costs or face logistical complications, effectively shifting some expenses or burdens away from taxpayers and onto Members or their offices.
House and Senate committees will incur a modest administrative burden to create, implement, and adjudicate the new travel regulations and exception processes.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Stops federal funds from being used to buy non‑coach airline seats for Members of Congress for official travel, except for medical or special‑need exceptions.
Prohibits Members of Congress from using federal funds to buy airline accommodations above coach class for official travel, with an exception for medical disabilities or other special needs. It directs the House and Senate committees that govern Member travel to issue regulations implementing the rule and takes effect in fiscal year 2027 and thereafter. The rule defines coach-class as the airline's basic class (including carry-on baggage without extra cost) and applies to Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner for all fiscal years starting in 2027.