Senator Van Hollen questions transportation fund conditions and safety at DCA airport

In a pivotal meeting of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, discussions surrounding the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Transportation (DOT) took center stage. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as senators sought clarity on critical infrastructure issues, particularly the air traffic control system and its telecommunications upgrades.

Senator Van Hollen opened the dialogue by expressing gratitude for the Secretary of Transportation's outreach to Maryland's Governor regarding infrastructure priorities, notably the Key Bridge project. However, the tone shifted as he addressed a contentious lawsuit involving Maryland and 19 other states against the DOT, accusing it of improperly withholding transportation funds to enforce federal immigration laws. Van Hollen sought assurance that these conditions would not retroactively affect previously awarded multi-year grants, to which the Secretary confirmed they would not.

The conversation then turned to safety concerns at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), where alarming statistics revealed over 15,000 incidents since October 2021. The Secretary acknowledged the FAA's oversight in monitoring these events, stating, "they missed something," which raised significant alarm among the senators. Van Hollen, alongside his colleagues, expressed deep concern over the recent addition of airline slots at DCA, the most congested airport in the nation, and urged a reevaluation of this decision in light of new safety data.

The Secretary emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing these safety issues, noting ongoing efforts to enhance the air traffic control system using advanced technology. As the meeting concluded, the senators left with a renewed commitment to prioritize safety and infrastructure, underscoring the critical need for transparency and accountability in transportation funding and operations. The discussions highlighted not only the challenges facing the DOT but also the imperative for legislative oversight to ensure the safety of the traveling public.