Transportation and Infrastructure: Graves-Larsen joint statement on Secretary Duffy’s announcement to strengthen air traffic control hiring

Joint statement of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) on the Administration’s and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s plan to surge the hiring of air traffic controllers:

“We commend Secretary Duffy for taking this positive action to address the current shortage of air traffic controllers in our nation. We remain confident in the aviation professionals throughout our system and their ability to ensure that air travel in America remains safe, but we need to take steps to strengthen our air traffic control system and staffing levels. In the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, signed into law last year, we included important provisions to ensure the FAA maximizes air traffic control hiring. Those and other needed safety provisions in the law must be implemented, in addition to today’s welcome announcement by Secretary Duffy.”