Peace Garden News

Senators John Hoeven and Jeanne Shaheen have issued a statement following the introduction of a House companion bill to their Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025. The House bill was introduced by Representatives Nick Begich III and Greg Stanton, with support from other members of Congress. The legislation aims to address staffing shortages in air traffic control, improve working conditions, and ensure safe transportation within U.S. airspace.

Senator Hoeven highlighted the need for the legislation, stating, "Recent aviation tragedies and accidents have made it clear that we need to do more to overcome attrition in the ATC workforce. Our legislation is all about training, recruiting and retaining air traffic controllers to ensure air travel is safe and efficient." He expressed gratitude towards Representatives Begich and Stanton for their efforts in introducing the House companion bill.

Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of safety improvements, saying, "Increasingly frequent aviation tragedies and close calls are serious, solemn reminders that there’s more we can do to make our skies safer – and our bipartisan bill to strengthen the air traffic controller workforce is a good place to start." She noted her satisfaction with the bipartisan support received by their bill in both chambers of Congress.

The proposed legislation seeks to expand the training pipeline for air traffic controllers by enhancing the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. It authorizes $20 million annually for grants aimed at improving curriculum, simulators, faculty, and classroom supplies at AT-CTI schools. Additionally, it aims to remove disincentives for retired controllers considering instructor roles at these institutions.

The bill also proposes measures such as authorizing Tower Simulator Systems nationwide for better trainee certification and requiring recruitment and retention incentive programs from the FAA. Mental health services tailored for air traffic controllers are also part of the initiative.

Support for this legislative effort comes from various organizations including the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Airlines for America (A4A), Regional Airline Association (RAA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), U.S. Contract Towers Association, and Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).