Congressman Cohen Calls for Immediate Action to Address Air Traffic Control Staffing Crisis
Urges swift implementation of FAA Reauthorization law and warns against DOGE involvement
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, today called for urgent action to address the ongoing air traffic control staffing shortage and implementation of key safety provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 at a hearing titled “America Builds: Air Traffic Control System Infrastructure and Staffing.”
Congressman Cohen also noted that he, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen, and Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Gerry Connolly, today wrote Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy demanding transparency about why FAA employees are being indiscriminately terminated. See that letter here.
In his opening statement, Congressman Cohen said in part:
“The flying public deserves a strong, modern, and well-staffed air traffic control system. However, today, that system is under strain. We do not have enough air traffic controllers, and we do not have enough technicians maintaining critical infrastructure...
“Instead of unleashing DOGE and Elon Musk’s 19-year-old cronies, this Administration should follow through on the mandates we have already set. We cannot afford reckless disruptions to the dedicated safety workforce that keeps the system running...
“Congress has provided clear, bipartisan instructions for strengthening aviation safety. These laws must be implemented, not ignored.”
See the entire opening statement here.
In his questions to witnesses, Congressman Cohen focused on the recent FAA firings and proposals to privatize the air traffic control system.
Witnesses at today’s hearing were:
- Heather Krause, Managing Director, Physical Infrastructure, United States Government Accountability Office;
- Nicholas E. Calio, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airlines for America;
- Pete Bunce, President and Chief Executive Officer, General Aviation Manufacturers Association;
- Nick Daniels, President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association;
- Dave Spero, President, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists; and
- Paul Rinaldi, President and Co-Founder, Rinaldi Consultants, LLC.
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