Newark airport chaos: Congress moves to address aging air traffic control system
The House of Representatives is currently focusing on the urgent need to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, who chairs the Aviation Subcommittee on the House’s committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, shared with Fox News Digital that he will be spearheading bipartisan discussions on this critical issue.
Following a recent blackout incident at Newark Liberty International Airport that resulted in a brief outage of air traffic control screens, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association reported that operators at Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control temporarily lost radar and communication with incoming planes. This incident underscores the necessity for upgrading the outdated system.
Rep. Nehls emphasized the importance of formulating a plan to allocate the $12.5 billion approved by the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee for air traffic control modernization. This funding was secured as part of the budget reconciliation process, aiming to advance key priorities of the Trump administration.
The upcoming roundtable discussions will involve stakeholders and experts from various sectors to determine the optimal utilization of the allocated funds. Rep. Nehls highlighted the need to invest in technology upgrades, such as transitioning from outdated copper wire systems to more advanced fiber optics.
The first meeting of the panel, comprising two Republicans and two Democrats, is scheduled for early June. Rep. Nehls expressed his commitment to collaborating closely with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to ensure a well-informed decision-making process.
As the discussions progress, Rep. Nehls intends to prioritize listening to stakeholders’ input to make informed choices on how to effectively modernize the air traffic control system. This proactive approach aims to utilize taxpayer money efficiently and advance the necessary upgrades.
For further insights and updates on this crucial initiative, interested individuals can follow Fox News Digital’s coverage and stay informed on the latest developments. Additionally, readers can connect with Elizabeth Elkind, a dedicated politics reporter for Fox News Digital, on Twitter at @liz_elkind and share relevant tips via email at elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
