Sean Duffy Urges Congress to Approve $30 Billion Aviation Funding
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called on Congress to approve $30 billion for aviation infrastructure and technology to prevent further air traffic failures.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, joined by aviation unions and major airlines, urged Congress on September 28 to approve $30 billion in funding for aviation infrastructure and technology. The proposal, introduced by Republican Senator Eric Schmitt on behalf of the Trump administration, allocates $10 billion to replace aging air traffic control towers and $10 billion for telecommunications and digital upgrades, including cybersecurity.
An additional $7.2 billion is earmarked for a new Federal Aviation Administration software-based system using predictive analytics, with the remaining funds targeting terminal construction and capacity expansion at medium-sized airports to reduce congestion at major hubs. This request follows a $12.5 billion appropriation approved in June 2025.
The funding push comes after a series of critical failures, including a major telecommunications outage last week that paralyzed East Coast traffic and a January 2025 mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that killed 67 people. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford has mandated that all outdated copper telecom wires be replaced by September 2027.
