US House proposes $15 billion to modernize air traffic control

A bipartisan proposal from the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure would allocate $15 billion to the FAA for modernizing air traffic control (ATC) systems, aiming to replace outdated technology, update infrastructure, and hire new controllers. This initiative responds to recent aviation incidents, including a deadly midair collision over Washington, D.C., which heightened concerns about ATC reliability and safety. The proposed funding includes targeted investments in telecommunications infrastructure, radar system upgrades, tower and facility modernization, and recruitment and training for controllers. The plan has garnered strong support from a broad coalition of aviation industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, unions, and lobby groups, who have long warned about the risks posed by aging ATC infrastructure. The legislation is part of a larger package and awaits further action in the House and Senate. Industry leaders argue that the funding is critical for strengthening American aviation safety and addressing longstanding issues within the national airspace system.