DOT secretary urges rapid FAA modernization, outlines staffing and procurement steps

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development that the Department of Transportation—annot wait years to modernize the nation's air traffic control system and needs expedited funding and staffing changes to do it.

The department's budget request for fiscal 2026 includes increases for FAA hiring and modernization, but Duffy said the money for a full modernization program is not included in the administration's topline and urged Congress to consider advanced appropriations. "I would like this body to give the DOT and the FAA the money upfront, advanced appropriations," he said, adding he would have FAA provide quarterly updates on timelines and budgets.

Why it matters: Lawmakers repeatedly pressed Duffy about a string of safety and operational problems this year, including the fatal crash over the Potomac and major disruptions at Newark and Reagan National airports. Senators across the aisle urged immediate steps to reduce safety risk while also asking for clear dollar figures and timeframes for modernization.

Most important facts

- Secretary Sean Duffy said the administration's fiscal 2026 request would increase discretionary DOT funding to push modernization, but that the specific funding vehicle for a full FAA modernization is not in the budget and should be provided up front.

- Duffy said the FAA is roughly…