Lawmakers press FAA funding for aging air traffic control towers, controller staffing and localized noise concerns
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Summary
Multiple members urged the committee to prioritize air traffic control modernization, tower replacements, controller staffing and FAA planning authority — including calls for funding for aging towers and extension of TFR protections to large outdoor concerts.
Air traffic control and airport safety were recurring themes at the House Transportation and Infrastructure member‑day hearing.
Representative Kiggins described aging towers and the need for clearer WOTUS implementation to avoid permitting delays, then urged support for a $12.5 billion investment to modernize air traffic control systems and staffing. Representative Costa and Representative Molnar directly called out aging non‑FAA towers and ATC facilities in their districts, asking the committee to prioritize non‑FAA tower replacement and TRACON modernization.
Representative Jayapal detailed staffing shortfalls at Sea‑Tac ("25 certified professional controllers and 2 in training") and urged continued attention to controller fatigue, pay and training as the FAA implements reauthorization provisions. Representative Takuda and others asked for better contingency planning in the Essential Air Service program and parity for island ferry/ferry funding; Representative Frankel raised localized concerns after the FAA established a year‑round 1‑nautical‑mile no‑fly zone around Mar‑a‑Lago and described rerouted flight paths that she said have increased noise and complaints in Palm Beach County.
Representative Ruiz proposed the Protecting Outdoor Concerts Act of 2025 to direct the FAA to issue or revise temporary flight restrictions for outdoor concerts and festivals that meet attendance thresholds similar to those for major sporting events. “These protections do not currently extend to outdoor concerts even when they draw the same or more people,” Ruiz said, arguing the change would align protections for large gatherings.
Members asked staff to consider language that funds tower modernization, improves controller recruitment and retention, and clarifies FAA authorities on TFRs and noise mitigation planning. No formal actions were taken during the hearing.