U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) said they would like input from their colleagues and from aviation industry stakeholders to help modernize America’s air traffic control system.
Cruz, the Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Moran, the chair of the aviation subcommittee, announced Wednesday they are seeking feedback on policy priorities and proposals on the air traffic control infrastructure, technology and workforce as well as proposals to improve the management of the nation’s airspace.
“For over a decade, I’ve fought for policies that would greatly update an air traffic control system that has fallen out of date and, in too many cases, into disrepair,” Cruz said. “Our nation’s aviators depend on archaic technology that is over 50 years old. That should be unacceptable to everyone involved in our national aerospace system. Recent technology failures and accidents highlight the urgent need to act to improve our air traffic control system…”
In February, Cruz spoke to the Aero Club of Washington and discussed the need for Congress to review the outdated state of the U.S. air traffic control system, especially is inefficiencies, staffing shortages and technological and structural deficiencies. Cruz said at that time that his committee would be seeking input about air traffic control modernization.
Moran said it was time for law makers to assess the system and modernization efforts.
“Safety is an ever-evolving process, and recent aviation tragedies require us to take stock of our air traffic control systems, facilities, and equipment and understand what critical updates are needed to modernize our technology and keep our busy and expansive airspace safe for travelers, our military, and all other users,” Moran said. “I look forward to learning from tech experts and providers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders on ways we can improve the systems and technologies that coordinate air traffic and ensure the safety of the flying public.”