I have a feeling if the US did introduce such a program, there would be lawsuits claiming such policy is discriminatory. Compare this to the way security lines are handled. Right now, the airlines control who can get in line first for security (through the initial ID check), not the TSA; thus, they can allow their elites to have priority. If, as is being suggested, the TSA should take over the ID check (as it is presumably a "security" issue), you can kiss elite access to security lines goodbye as well.