Congress invested $12.5 billion in ATC modernization in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation – yesterday led a hearing with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford on the FAA’s air traffic control (ATC) modernization plan. Congress provided $12.5 billion for ATC modernization in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and the Department of Transportation recently announced the selection of Peraton as the Prime Integrator, which functions as the project manager for integrating the new ATC system.

“On January 29th, American Airlines Flight 5342, traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, seconds before its scheduled landing at Reagan Washington National Airport, killing 67 people,” said Sen. Moran. “This tragic accident has forced Congress and the FAA to reckon with no longer just sustaining our air traffic control system but actually taking steps to modernize it.”

“In July, this Congress provided $12.5 billion as a down payment toward ATC modernization,” continued Sen. Moran. “These funds were authorized for technology upgrades, new ATC facilities, runway and surface safety systems, advanced training and workforce capabilities, and other resources that build upon last year’s reauthorization. The FAA has made meaningful steps toward modernization. However, there is much, still, to do. Mr. Bedford, this committee has and will continue to rely on your agency to be a proactive and responsive partner in these efforts.”

Sen. Moran’s full remarks as delivered:

“Administrator Bedford – thank you for joining us today to discuss the Federal Aviation Administration’s plan to modernize America’s Air Traffic Control system.

 “On January 29th, American Airlines Flight 5342, traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, seconds before its scheduled landing at Reagan Washington National Airport, killing 67 people. This tragic accident has forced Congress and the FAA to reckon with no longer just sustaining our air traffic control system but actually taking steps to modernize it.

“I would like to acknowledge the families of the victims of this horrific tragedy that have joined us for today’s hearing. Thank you for your tireless advocacy on behalf of your loved ones.

“While Congress and the public await the findings of the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the midair collision, we are here today to continue the long overdue work of modernizing American airspace.

“Last year, Congress passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which includes requirements to increase controller hiring, modernize ground-based infrastructure, and provides for improved air safety data and cybersecurity standards.

“In July, this Congress provided $12.5 billion as a ‘down payment’ toward ATC modernization. These funds were authorized for technology upgrades, new ATC facilities, runway and surface safety systems, advanced training and workforce capabilities, and other resources that build upon last year’s reauthorization. Weeks after Reconciliation was signed into law, the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, of which I sit, unanimously approved providing FAA $5 billion – a record amount – to continue its efforts to modernize air traffic control.

“Earlier in the summer, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced an ambitious overhaul of America’s ATC system. The scale and scope of this comprehensive modernization is enormous. It has and will continue to require an industry-wide mobilization and public-private partnerships to manage modernization on expedited timelines. To that end, Secretary Duffy and the FAA recently announced a Prime Integrator to manage the “Brand New Air Traffic Control System” project – Peraton, a technology and national security firm.

“Today, we will hear from Mr. Bedford about progress the FAA has made toward modernization, including how initial funds authorized by this Congress in July have been used, additional resources the FAA needs to execute its modernization goals, and how Peraton will fit into enhancing the safety of national airspace.

“The FAA has made meaningful steps toward modernization. However, there is much, still, to do. Mr. Bedford, this committee has and will continue to rely on your agency to be a proactive and responsive partner in these efforts.

“Modernization is more than the replacement of physical or digital infrastructure: it also requires modernizing the statutes, rules, and regulations that govern the airspace to enable greater innovation and success. Following the deadly midair collision on January 29th, I introduced legislation to require military aircraft operating in congested airspace to install and use ADS-B In and Out, position broadcast technologies that are critical to keeping our skies safe. Soon after, this committee approved legislation – the ROTOR Act – to close gaps in air safety.

“Last week, I joined Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell and the Ranking Member of this Subcommittee, Sen. Duckworth, in calling on Congress to amend the National Defense Authorization Act to remove language that could reverse updates to air safety standards made in response to the NTSB’s urgent safety recommendations.

“I have also introduced an amendment to the NDAA that does two things: 1) require military aircraft to operate with ADS-B Out, and 2) prohibits service secretaries from delegating waiver authority. This effort is backstop if we cannot move the ROTOR Act across the finish line. I remain committed to working with the Chair and Ranking Member in accomplishing that.

“I remain fully committed to addressing this issue, changing the law, as it is currently written, and implementing the recommendations of the NTSB following the release of their final report.

“Administrator Bedford, I look forward to discussing airspace modernization but also discussing what the FAA is doing right now to keep our skies safe, particularly in light of a near-miss incident between an Air Force refueling aircraft and a JetBlue commercial flight over the Caribbean Sea on Friday.”

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