U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, urged support for federal legislation to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system during remarks in Utah, saying the bill would include a $12.5 billion down payment to begin replacing outdated equipment and to hire and train new air traffic controllers.

Owens said the system still relies on technologies from decades ago and singled out old wiring and costly maintenance as drivers of risk and inefficiency. “Some are still using copper wiring. It's outdated. It's costly,” he said. He added the package would “upgrade our technology, support the hiring and training of new air traffic controllers, and ensure that airports across the West, including here in Utah, can keep people moving safely and reliably.”

Why it matters: Owens framed the proposal as a safety and reliability investment for aviation infrastructure, saying it would restore American leadership in innovation and aid airports in the Western United States. He characterized the funding as a “down payment” intended to begin long-term modernization rather than finish it.

Details and scope: Owens told listeners the bill would invest in updated technology and workforce development for air traffic control. He said the measure would address outdated components — including copper wiring in some systems — and support hiring and training of controllers, but he did not identify a bill number or offer a legislative timeline.

No formal legislative action was taken at this appearance. Owens’s remarks were a public appeal for support; there was no vote, motion or committee action recorded in the transcript of this event.

The statement did not specify which airports would receive funding, how the $12.5 billion would be allocated among equipment, training or construction, or what federal agencies would administer the funds. Those details were not specified in the remarks.