NTSB chair advocates for $156M budget to enhance safety and staffing

The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations held an oversight hearing on March 26, 2025, focusing on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and its funding needs for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting highlighted the NTSB's request for a budget of $156 million for fiscal year 2026, emphasizing the importance of full staffing and enhanced training for its workforce.

During the hearing, NTSB officials discussed the rising costs associated with government mandates, which have increased by $6.4 million since 2024. They stressed the necessity of additional resources to improve performance and maintain accountability in delivering accident reports and safety recommendations. The NTSB has made significant progress in reducing its backlog of accident investigations, which previously numbered close to 480 cases over several years. Currently, the agency has managed to eliminate this backlog, attributing this success to investments in their workforce.

The committee members expressed their support for the NTSB, acknowledging the challenges of balancing various priorities within the federal budget. NTSB leadership urged the committee to prioritize their funding request, stating that an investment in the agency would ultimately save lives by enhancing transportation safety.

In conclusion, the hearing underscored the critical role of the NTSB in ensuring transportation safety and the need for adequate funding to support its mission. The agency remains committed to improving its operations and performance, with a focus on accountability and effective resource management.