Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy claims Democrats ignored report about FAA
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has criticized the Biden administration for allegedly ignoring a report from a government agency highlighting the poor state of the air traffic control system. In a recent post, Duffy shared an excerpt from a report published by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) titled “Air Traffic Control: FAA Actions Are Urgently Needed to Modernize Aging Systems,” which was released on Sept. 24, 2024.
Duffy pointed out that a government watchdog had warned both President Biden and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg about the failing air traffic control system. He highlighted the fact that despite being aware of the strain on the system, no action was taken to address the issues.
The report mentioned by Duffy noted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had been slow to modernize critical and at-risk systems. Specifically, as of May 2024, the FAA had 17 systems that were particularly concerning due to their age, sustainability ratings, operational impact level, and expected date of modernization or replacement.
Duffy emphasized that he is collaborating with former President Donald Trump to modernize the system, aiming to deliver a new and world-class air traffic control system, a feat that no previous administration has achieved.
The report highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that the 17 critical systems ranged from 2 to 50 years old, were unsustainable, and played a crucial role in the safety and efficiency of the national airspace.
Recent events have further underscored the importance of addressing these issues, with Newark Liberty International Airport experiencing numerous delays and cancellations. Additionally, a report revealed that FAA air traffic controllers in Philadelphia temporarily lost radar and radio signals while guiding planes to Newark Airport, causing chaos.
During an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “The Story,” Duffy expressed his intention to introduce legislation to Congress to address the air traffic control system’s challenges. He mentioned that the previous administration was aware of the issues and that action needs to be taken urgently.
Duffy explained that he began investigating the FAA in January and realized the need for a complete overhaul of the air traffic control infrastructure. He has developed a plan in collaboration with President Trump, who has approved the strategy to modernize the system.
In conclusion, addressing the issues with the air traffic control system is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the national airspace. The collaboration between Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and former President Donald Trump signifies a commitment to modernizing the system and delivering world-class air traffic control services.
