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Committee backs $12.5 billion down payment for air traffic control modernization and workforce support
Summary
The committee approved a reconciliation title that includes a $12.5 billion down payment to modernize air traffic control systems and fund controller recruitment and training; members described aging radar, telecom and tower infrastructure and a shortage of certified air traffic controllers.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved language in its committee print that includes a $12.5 billion down payment for air traffic control (ATC) modernization and workforce recruitment, hiring and training.
On the record, Chairman Sam Graves said: "In response, the committee will provide 12,500,000,000.0 down payment for air traffic control modernization efforts to allow the administration to immediately get to work replacing critical telecommunications infrastructure and radar systems ... and fund air traffic control recruitment, retention and training."
Why it matters: Multiple members cited recent aviation accidents and a Government Accountability Office report that flagged unsustainable FAA systems. Witnesses and members said the FAA’s towers, radar and telecom systems are decades old and that controller staffing shortfalls hamper safety and capacity.
Details and debate: Supporters described the funding as an urgent first step to replace telecom copper networks, upgrade terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities and towers, and fund recruitment and training. Representative Rausser said the appropriation and workforce investments were ‘‘crucial’’ in light of recent accidents and a documented shortage of certified controllers. Critics and some Democratic members urged broader, bipartisan reauthorization to secure stable long‑term funding streams rather than a short‑term down payment within reconciliation.
Committee action: The manager’s amendment and the base text adopted by the committee retained the ATC funding line. Members debated related amendments, including proposals to protect FAA authority and prohibit privatization; those proposals were considered and voted on during the markup.
What’s next: The $12.5 billion line in the committee print was approved by the committee and will be included in materials transmitted to the Budget Committee. Members said additional FAA reauthorization and implementation guidance will be needed to translate the down payment into stable, multi‑year modernization and staffing programs.
Ending: Committee members from both parties urged quick but accountable action to modernize ATC, and several called for increased reporting and procurement safeguards as the funds move through reconciliation and into agency budgets.
