Issues at Newark Liberty International Airport draw bipartisan congressional response
Lawmakers spoke out to Fox News Digital on Tuesday as chaos ensued at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest airports. Sen. Andy Kim, a Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, expressed concern and stated that their team has reached out to the FAA to get answers on the steps being taken to resolve the situation. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and timely arrival of passengers, promising to press for necessary actions to make it happen.
On the other side of the aisle, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia highlighted the outdated air traffic control system and the shortage of controllers, attributing them to the turmoil at Newark Airport. She proposed a public-facing dashboard to show FAA’s progress in updating their systems and hiring more controllers, advocating for more accountability within the agency.
While Democrats criticized USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy over the air-travel-related crisis, Capito supported his efforts in addressing the challenges faced by America’s skies. She mentioned supporting his plan to finalize necessary actions and expressed hope to review it soon.
Sen. Cory Booker, a former Newark mayor, wrote a letter to Duffy emphasizing the critical need for identifying and addressing the underlying causes of flight disruptions. He urged for additional staff and resources to restore regular operations at EWR, especially with the approaching busy summer travel season.
Sen. Jerry Moran stressed the importance of a skilled workforce and reliable technology in maintaining the nation’s airspace, highlighting the urgent need for modernization of air traffic control systems. He, along with other senators, introduced the Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act to strengthen the workforce sector.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis raised concerns about the outdated FAA technology and the need for upgrades. She emphasized the importance of working with Secretary Duffy and Chairman Cruz to address the issues and ensure the safety and security of the flying public.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth emphasized the strain on the aviation system and the need for investments in updated air traffic control systems and equipment. As the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, she called for answers from Congress to ensure the safety of the flying public.
In response, the FAA acknowledged the ongoing flight disruptions at Newark Airport due to staffing and technology issues. The agency mentioned efforts to improve telecommunications equipment and automation systems to enhance resiliency in the New York area.
The chaos at Newark Airport has sparked concerns among lawmakers about the safety and efficiency of the nation’s air travel system. As they continue to press for accountability and solutions, the focus remains on ensuring a secure and seamless travel experience for passengers.
