Bill Overview
Title: TSA Act
Description: TSA Act This bill prohibits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from using the 'X' gender designation in the TSA PreCheck advanced security program and instead authorizes the TSA to allow applicants and participants in the program to select from only 'Male' or 'Female'.
Sponsors: Rep. Lesko, Debbie [R-AZ-8]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals identifying as non-binary or gender non-conforming
Estimated Size: 1200000
- The bill specifically addresses the gender designation options in the TSA PreCheck program, which directly affects individuals who are non-binary or use 'X' as their gender identifier.
- Recent estimates suggest that in the U.S., approximately 1.2 million people identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming, which includes those who might use an 'X' gender designation.
- Considering non-binary and gender non-conforming populations globally is more challenging due to varying cultural recognition and legal status of non-binary genders, but estimates suggest a similar proportion globally as in the U.S.
Reasoning
- The TSA Act targets a relatively small subset of the population, specifically those who are non-binary or use 'X' as a gender designation and who also participate in or wish to participate in the TSA PreCheck program.
- The direct impact is expected to be high for these individuals, as it forces them to conform to a binary gender selection, which affects their personal identity validation and travel experience.
- The majority of U.S. travelers use the standard TSA screening and are not directly affected by this policy, making the general population impact relatively low.
- Budget constraints mean the implementation of changes and addressing stakeholder concerns need to be financially efficient, prioritizing communication and engagement with affected community groups.
- Overall, impacts to wellbeing measured by Cantril scores vary considerably based on individual circumstances, travel frequency, and personal coping mechanisms with the enforced binary selection.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel disappointed by this policy as it forces me to choose between two binary options that don't reflect my identity. It adds unnecessary stress especially since I fly frequently for work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 7 |
HR Manager (Boston, MA)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe it's important for people to identify as they feel. This policy disregards the identity of non-binary individuals, which is disheartening.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Security Specialist (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the policy as a simplification measure, but I recognize it might negatively impact non-binary travelers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Artist (New York City, NY)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel invalidated by the policy. I'm worried it will affect my mental health as travel becomes more stressful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Retired (Seattle, WA)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although I don't travel much, I find it disappointing that this policy ignores the identity of fellow citizens.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Student (Portland, OR)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy feels regressive. It erodes the small acknowledgments we have gained for non-binary identities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 7 |
Retired Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 69 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy will change to be more inclusive. It seems unfair to force choices that disrespect an individual's true self.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Business Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the intent behind simplifying options but feel the policy seriously overlooks inclusivity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Freelance Writer (Denver, CO)
Age: 45 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My identity feels erased by policies like this. It takes away the comfort I've started to feel using services like TSA PreCheck.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
Healthcare Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this policy as not just a logistical change, but a disregard for the legitimacy of my identity and others like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $200000)
Year 3: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $200000)
Year 5: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $200000)
Year 10: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $200000)
Year 100: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $200000)
Key Considerations
- The policy affects approximately 1.2 million non-binary individuals in the U.S., potentially impacting their travel experience and application process for TSA PreCheck.
- There are direct costs associated with updating systems and processes to eliminate the 'X' gender option.
- Potential legal challenges or protests from affected communities could arise, bearing additional socio-political considerations.