Rep. Mann Introduces Modern Skies Act to Update America’s Aviation System

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee, introduced the Modern Skies Act, legislation to invest in updating America’s air traffic control system, rebuilding aging aviation infrastructure, and improving airports across the country. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the Senate companion legislation. 

The Modern Skies Act builds on the $12.5 billion investment Congress made through the Working Families Tax Cuts to begin replacing outdated air traffic control technology and infrastructure. The legislation provides the resources necessary for the next phase of modernization while investing in air traffic control towers, airport terminals, runways, and other critical aviation infrastructure.

“America invented modern aviation, and we should have an aviation system that sets the standard for the rest of the world,” said Rep. Mann. “Last year, Congress worked with President Trump and Secretary Duffy to make a historic investment in replacing decades-old air traffic control technology. We are already seeing that investment at work, but the job is not finished. The Modern Skies Act builds on that progress by updating the technology our air traffic controllers rely on, replacing aging towers and facilities, and investing in airports nationwide. As a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, I am proud to introduce this legislation and work alongside President Trump, Secretary Duffy, and Senator Schmitt to strengthen the safety and reliability of our National Airspace System and keep America the global leader in aviation.”

“Air travel is more accessible than ever, but for too many Americans, getting where they need to go still feels like a gamble," said Senator Schmitt. "Travelers face long lines, aging airports, constant delays, and an air traffic control system in desperate need of attention. That is a far cry from the golden age of American aviation that St. Louis’ own Charles Lindbergh helped usher in. The Modern Skies Act will launch a new era of American aviation by building a world-class system that works better for air traffic controllers, airlines, and, most importantly, passengers. President Trump and Secretary Duffy are tackling these challenges head-on, and I’m proud to lead this effort alongside them to make air travel great again.”

“Under President Trump, we have made historic progress revitalizing our airspace,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “With investments from the Working Families Tax Cut, we’ve already replaced the majority of outdated copper wire with high-speed fiber in our towers, transitioned nearly a third of radios controllers used, and installed new surveillance technology in half of our target airports. We’ve also reimagined how we manage the airspace – deploying a state-of-the-art scheduling tool to prevent delays and cancellations. But to finally fix air travel for the American people, we need to pass the Modern Skies Act. This bill will give us the funding we need to modernize the digital architecture powering air traffic control, replace crumbling aviation infrastructure, and build world-class airports across the country.”

The Modern Skies Act would invest $30 billion across America’s aviation system, including:

• $10.1 billion for air traffic control modernization to support the next phase of FAA modernization, including a common automation platform and controller workstation, cloud and telecommunications infrastructure, facility consolidation, and modern air traffic flow-management technology.
• $10 billion for an Aging Terminal Pilot Program to modernize or rebuild major terminals at up to three medium hub airports, increasing passenger capacity and supporting service to smaller communities.
• $10 billion for terminal, tower, and airport improvements, including $2 billion for air traffic control towers and facilities, $3 billion for Airport Improvement Program projects, and $5 billion for airport terminal modernization.
• Additional flexibility for existing air traffic control funding to allow the FAA to transfer previously appropriated funding among components of its modernization program as implementation progresses while maintaining congressional oversight and reporting requirements.

Congress provided $12.5 billion through the Working Families Tax Cuts to begin modernizing the nation’s air traffic control system. The Department of Transportation is using that funding to replace aging telecommunications lines, radios and radars, transition towers to electronic flight strips, and deploy new surface-awareness technology.

The FAA projects commercial flights will increase by more than 40 percent by 2046, alongside continued growth in drones, commercial space launches, and new aircraft technologies, increasing the need for a modern and resilient National Airspace System.

The Modern Skies Act is supported by organizations representing nearly every segment of the American aviation industry, including Airlines for America, Air Line Pilots Association, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, American Association of Airport Executives, National Business Aviation Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

For more information on Rep. Mann visit www.mann.house.gov