Thune: After Shutdown Turbulence, Air Travel Modernization Is Ready for Takeoff
“Things won’t be fixed overnight, but thanks to the Trump administration and our continued efforts in Congress, we are making progress toward a state-of-the-art air traffic control system for America.”
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:
Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):
“Mr. President, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
“More than 80 million Americans traveled for the holiday last week.
“And while most of them packed up the car and hit the road, about 6 million Americans boarded planes to spend the holiday with relatives and friends across the country.
“And I’m sure all of them were breathing a sigh of relief that the government shutdown was over and that air traffic control had resumed normal operations before their trips.
“Mr. President, the impact on air travel was one of the most visible aspects of the chaos that ensued during the Democrats’ 43-day government shutdown.
“Flights were snarled throughout the shutdown, but it got progressively worse as the shutdown drug on.
“By the time Democrats’ shutdown entered its second month, the FAA was forced to order … cutbacks in air traffic as a matter of safety.
“And more would have been required if we hadn’t been able to finally reopen the government when we did.
“So Mr. President, I’m relieved that air traffic was able to get back to normal levels before the holiday travel surge.
“And I’m grateful to the thousands of air traffic controllers who were on duty during the shutdown without pay, and who work hard every day to keep planes moving quickly and safely.
“They have an important job, and I know that every controller shares a commitment to putting safety first – whether it’s a normal day, the middle of a snowstorm, or a government shutdown.
“Mr. President, even before the shutdown, our air traffic control system was facing challenges.
“And modernization efforts have been a priority for both the Trump administration and for Congress this year.
“Before the holiday, the Commerce Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee held a hearing that examined air traffic operations during the shutdown as well as the challenges that existed prior to the shutdown and that still exist today.
“And I appreciate Chairman Moran’s attention to these important issues.
“And I’m grateful that my colleagues are taking the time to delve into the challenges facing air traffic control.
“At least our Republican colleagues, Mr. President, are taking the time.
“The lead Democrat on that panel called the hearing ‘political theater,’ and Democrats’ witness for the Aviation Subcommittee talked only about – get this – Obamacare.
“That’s right, Mr. President.
“Obamacare.
“A hearing to examine air traffic safety and air traffic control – and that was the only witness the Democrats asked to come and testify.
“So I’m hoping this was a one-time political [stunt] and not an indication of the attitude the Democrats are going to take going forward.
“Because we have a lot more work to do on this issue.
“Republicans remain focused on improving air travel and safety, and that hearing was just one part of our continued efforts.
“Earlier this year, Republicans took a major step forward in air traffic modernization with the One Big Beautiful Bill, which made a significant investment in technology improvements for the air traffic system.
“Mr. President, the systems being used in air traffic control towers today are in desperate need of an update.
“This funding will help to deploy state-of-the-art technology to towers across America.
“One example of the need for modernization is what happened at the Newark airport – one of the busiest airports in the country – earlier this year.
“In April and May, Newark experienced equipment outages that led to major flight delays and significant disruptions in air travel.
“The Trump administration moved quickly to address these issues and bring Newark back to full strength, but the underlying issue is aging technology across the air traffic control system.
“Issues that are only exacerbated when adverse conditions strike, such as severe weather or the recent government shutdown.
“The investment from the One Big Beautiful Bill will go a long way toward solving the underlying technology problems and will strengthen the entire system.
“Mr. President, another challenge is the shortage of air traffic controllers.
“We’re almost 4,000 controllers short of full strength, which means that controllers at a number of airports need to work longer hours and more shifts to keep the system going.
“Addressing this shortfall has been a priority for the Trump administration, which has devoted attention to hiring and training additional controllers.
“I appreciate that the administration managed to keep hiring and training operations going throughout the shutdown, which lessened the potential long-term consequences for America’s skies.
“Republicans and Democrats here in Congress are focused, too, on supporting hiring and training efforts.
“And this year’s transportation funding bill – which I hope to take up in the near future – supports sustained hiring and training to add 2,500 new controllers next year.
“Mr. President, upgrading outdated technology and adding new air traffic controllers will make a big difference for the traveling public and for supply chains that rely on air cargo.
“And it will help deliver a more modern air traffic system capable of providing more efficient and safer skies for all Americans.
“Things won’t be fixed overnight, but thanks to the Trump administration and our continued efforts in Congress, we are making progress toward a state-of-the-art air traffic control system for America.
“Mr. President, I’m glad that the system is back at full strength after the shutdown.
“And we’re working to make it stronger every day.”
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