SC New York News

Today, Aviation Safety Caucus Co-chairs Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Jack Bergman (MI-01), and Marc Veasey (TX-33) led a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker to address concerns about the agency's oversight of Air Traffic Control (ATC) modernization investments.

The letter follows a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that found over half of the FAA's 138 Air Traffic Control systems are unsustainable or at risk. "The continued safety and efficiency of our national airspace system depend on robust oversight, timely execution, and effective management of these critical investments," the lawmakers wrote.

They added, "Although the FAA has made strides in identifying and investing in some aging ATC systems, stronger and more proactive oversight is needed to ensure these investments are implemented efficiently. The oversight council responsible for reviewing and monitoring these projects has, in many instances, failed to consistently assess high-risk factors associated with ATC modernization. Without proper and timely oversight, significant modernization projects are not meeting their cost, schedule, and performance goals, putting the entire system at risk of further operational disruptions."

The letter recommends that the FAA strengthen its acquisition oversight council to ensure thorough evaluations of project plans and risks. It also suggests establishing clear processes for annual budget reviews to enhance transparency and accountability while collaborating with air traffic controllers and aviation experts to integrate operational expertise.

The Aviation Safety Caucus co-chairs were joined by 28 additional signers of the letter. These include Reps. Dina Titus (NV-01), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), August Pfluger (TX-11), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Michael Guest (MS-03), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Mike Bost (IL-12), Mary Miller(IL -15 ), Rich McCormick(GA -06 ), Andrew Garbarino(NY -02 ), Brad Finstad(MN -01 ), Nicole Malliotakis(NY -11 ), Laurel Lee(FL -15 ), Chris Smith(NJ -04 ), John Moolenaar(MI -02 ), Jay Obernolte(CA -23 )and Anthony D’Esposito(NY –04).

Support for this initiative has also come from outside organizations such as the National Air Traffic Controllers Association(NATCA ),the Air Line Pilots Association(ALPA ),the International Brotherhood of Teamsters(IBT )and the Association Of Flight Attendants-CWA among others.

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