Legislation introduced recently would address air traffic control staffing shortages, Congress members said this week.
The bipartisan legislation, the Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025, would expand the workforce training pipeline, and improve ATC working conditions to help ensure safe travel within U.S. airspace, the Congress members said. The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).
“Without an adequate workforce of qualified air traffic controllers, air travel cannot function in a safe and efficient manner, a reality made clear by recent aviation tragedies and accidents,” Hoeven said. “Despite efforts to boost recruitment, our nation has been unable to overcome attrition in the ATC workforce, and more needs to be done. Accordingly, our legislation expands the capacity of schools like UND to get more controllers into FAA towers and radar facilities, while providing better benefits to support workers and boost recruitment and retention.”
The bill authorizes $20 million per year for grants to the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program and removes disincentives that discourage retired air traffic controllers from working as AT-CTI instructors. The legislation would also authorize the procurement and placement of Tower Simulator Systems at ATC facilities nationwide, require the FAA to develop an Air Traffic Controller recruitment and retention incentive program, and support mental health services development within the industry.
“Increasingly frequent near-misses and close calls over the last several years—coupled with recent aviation tragedies like the one last month in D.C.—are sobering reminders that we must do more to keep our skies safe,” Shaheen said. “I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation with Senator Hoeven to expand the air traffic controller workforce pipeline, enhance training facilities and equipment, improve recruitment and retention efforts and more. I hope this bill moves quickly so we can address the shortage of air traffic controllers and strengthen aviation safety.”
The bill is supported by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), Airlines for America (A4A), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).