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Tracing the tax that's supposed to fund TSA

NPR· Mar 26, 2026· 8m 8s

Every time you buy a ticket that leaves a U.S. airport, you pay a fee that’s supposed to help fund the TSA. So why have TSA workers been working without pay? Today on the show, we explore the history behind an earmarked tax and its very personal impacts. Come see Planet Money live on stage in April! 12 cities. Details and tix here: https://tix.to/pm-book-tour . Related episodes: Your next flight doesn't have to be so expensive. Here's why How flying got so bad (or did it?) For sponsor-free episo

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Tracing the tax that's supposed to fund TSA

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  1. Welcome to the program. I'm your host.

    Welcome to the program. I'm your host.

    0:00

  2. Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.

    Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.

    0:04

  3. We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.

    We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.

    0:09

  4. The summit focused on energy policy and migration.

    The summit focused on energy policy and migration.

    0:14

  5. Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.

    Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.

    0:19

  6. Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.

    Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.

    0:24