New Dems Convene Roundtable Discussion on Air Traffic Control Modernization
New Dem Members met with labor representatives, trade associations, and manufacturers to discuss much-needed improvements to U.S. air traffic control systems
Yesterday, New Dem Vice Chair for Outreach Salud Carbajal (CA-24) hosted a roundtable discussion on air traffic control modernization between New Dem Members and stakeholders from across the aviation industry.
Vice Chair Carbajal, who is a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, was joined by several New Dem Members for the discussion, including Transportation & Infrastructure Ranking Member Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Jim Costa (CA-21).
“America’s air traffic control systems need an upgrade. More people are flying than ever and the system is under stress – the American people deserve to feel safe and secure every time they fly,” said Vice Chair for Outreach Salud Carbajal. “We’ve seen too many recent close calls, and in the wake of January’s tragic and deadly mid-air collision in D.C., Congress must ensure we’re doing everything we can to support America’s airspace and the people who run it. I’m grateful to my colleagues and the stakeholders for this important discussion, which will inform our work to modernize these crucial systems moving forward.”
Members and stakeholders discussed the challenges facing air traffic control in America, from outdated technology to workforce and training issues. They discussed the importance of modernization across air traffic control systems, and talked through stakeholder priorities for a potential legislative package to address air traffic control challenges.
Representatives from the following organizations participated in the roundtable: the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), Airlines for America (A4A), the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA)-CWA, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), L3Harris, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), and the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).
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