WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on today’s announcement by President Donald Trump of administration principles for reforming the U.S. air traffic control system.

"The Federal Aviation Administration's effort to improve air travel safety and efficiency by modernizing air traffic control has been hindered by bureaucratic obstacles and poor planning. While we've spent billions on upgrades, independent assessments have warned that the promised benefits for the flying public may never be realized if we continue on under the status quo.

"As we move forward in discussing potential reforms, getting a bill to President Trump's desk will require bipartisan support as well as a consensus among the aviation community on a way forward. On Wednesday, I'll continue this important conversation with my colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee when Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao testifies before us about needs and priorities for our aviation system."

Secretary Chao will testify before the Commerce Committee at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at a hearing titled, “FAA Reauthorization: Administration Perspectives.”