NBAA, Coalition Urge Congress to Finish Bill Reopening Government, Return Momentum to ATC Modernization

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In a letter to Congress published in The Washington Post, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and nearly 60 aviation stakeholder groups in the Modern Skies Coalition have called on Congress to reopen the government immediately and pass the full year appropriations bill that funds the nation’s air traffic control system.

“Congress recently made a significant downpayment on modernizing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) antiquated air traffic control system and the Department of Transportation (DOT) has prioritized ‘supercharging’ hiring to get air traffic control facilities fully staffed,” the coalition said in its letter.

“But those initiatives are challenged as the shutdown continues. As Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has championed, we need much, much more for air traffic investment in this country. Given all the challenges associated with the shutdown, it must end immediately.”

The coalition also called on lawmakers to work with the administration to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill that funds DOT and the FAA.

“Congress and the administration must pass a full FY2026 transportation appropriations bill to continue needed investments in controller staffing and training; technicians and aviation safety personnel; and technology and air traffic facilities,” the coalition said.

Under the continuing resolution passed by the Senate Monday, the transportation agencies’ funding would expire on Jan. 31 without additional action.

NBAA Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Kristie Greco Johnson applauded the Senate for passing the bipartisan bill to reopen the government Monday and urged the House to approve the measure.

Read the Modern Skies letter to Congress.

The organizations that signed the letter include:

  • Aeronautical Repair Station Association

  • Aerospace Industries Association

  • Affordable Skies

  • Airline Passenger Experience Association

  • Air Line Pilots Association, International

  • Air Traffic Control Association

  • Aircraft Electronics Association

  • Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

  • Airlines for America

  • Airports Council International – North America

  • Allied Pilots Association

  • Alpha Eta Rho

  • American Association of Airport Executives

  • American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

  • American Society of Travel Advisors

  • International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters

  • International Council of Air Shows

  • International Flight Services Association

  • National Agricultural Aviation Association

  • National Air Carrier Association

  • National Air Traffic Controllers Association

  • National Air Transportation Association

  • National Association of State Aviation Officials

  • National Business Aviation Association

  • NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots

  • Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO

  • RTCA

  • Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International

  • Association of Air Medical Services

  • Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

  • Association of Professional Flight Attendants

  • Association of Value Airlines

  • Aviation Technical Education Council

  • Cargo Airline Association

  • Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations

  • Corporate Aircraft Association

  • Experimental Aircraft Association

  • General Aviation Manufacturers Association

  • Global Business Travel Association

  • International Aircraft Dealers Association

  • International Air Transport Association

  • Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association

  • Recreational Aviation Foundation

  • Regional Airline Association

  • Southwest Airlines Pilots Association

  • Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO

  • Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO

  • Travelers United

  • United States Parachute Association

  • United States Tour Operators Association

  • U.S. Contract Tower Association

  • U.S. Helicopter Safety Team

  • U.S. Travel Association

  • Vertical Aviation International

  • Vertical Flight Society