Lawmakers React to Chaos at Newark Airport Amid Air Traffic Control Concerns
A wave of concern and calls for action have erupted from lawmakers across the political spectrum following significant disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), one of the nation’s busiest air hubs. The chaos has sparked renewed debate over the state of America’s air traffic control system, with fingers pointed at outdated technology, staffing shortages, and funding priorities.
Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat representing New Jersey, where Newark Airport is located, expressed his concern to Fox News Digital. He emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and on-time flights for travelers and pledged to press for solutions.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican from West Virginia, echoed the concerns about the outdated air traffic control system and highlighted the shortage of air traffic controllers. She directly attributed the turmoil at Newark to these issues. Capito proposed a public-facing dashboard to track the FAA’s progress in updating its systems and hiring more controllers, aiming for greater accountability. She noted that Secretary Duffy, despite criticism from some Democrats, recognizes the challenges facing the nation’s air travel system and expressed support for his efforts to finalize a plan to address these issues.
DNC Chairman Ken Martin criticized USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy over the air travel crisis, referencing near misses at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and the radar outages at Newark. He accused Duffy and the Trump administration of allowing America’s air travel system to fall apart. Martin’s pointed remarks included a sarcastic reference to a photo of Duffy with steak tacos, implying a disconnect between the Secretary’s personal life and the severity of the situation.
Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey and former Mayor of Newark, sent a detailed letter to Secretary Duffy emphasizing the serious consequences of the disruptions at Newark for the nation’s aviation system. He urged the USDOT and FAA to take immediate steps to identify and address the underlying causes of the ongoing flight disruptions. Booker acknowledged the USDOT’s recognition of the need for technology upgrades and pledged his support in Congress. However, he specifically requested additional staff and resources to restore regular operations at Newark Airport, particularly as the busy summer travel season approaches. He also highlighted staffing shortages at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility as a significant contributor to the disruptions.
Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas and member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, stressed the need for a skilled workforce and dependable technology to maintain America’s advanced airspace. He described the radar outages at Newark as placing air traffic controllers in an impossible situation, endangering flights, and demonstrating the urgent need for modernization. Moran mentioned the Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act, which he introduced with Senators John Hoeven and Jeanne Shaheen, to bolster the workforce sector.
Senator Cynthia Lummis, a Republican from Wyoming and member of the Senate Transportation Committee, expressed her deep concern over the situation. She criticized the Biden administration for prioritizing other funding initiatives over essential upgrades to outdated FAA technology. Lummis indicated that she and others would be asking questions about the cause of the issues and how to work with Secretary Duffy and Chairman Cruz to address them. She emphasized that the flying public deserves to feel safe and secure in American airspace.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois and ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee, stated that the situation at Newark Airport is another example of the strain on the aviation system, a concern she has raised for years. She underscored the need to invest in updated air traffic control systems and equipment, rather than cutting FAA’s funding and workforce. Duckworth stated that she has questions about the Newark situation and a recent incident near the Pentagon and that Congress needs answers to ensure the safety of the flying public.
The FAA acknowledged the ongoing flight disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport due to staffing and technology issues. The agency confirmed that air traffic controllers at the Philadelphia FAA facility lost radar and radio signals for nearly 90 seconds while directing planes to Newark, causing significant delays and cancellations. The FAA stated that they are working to improve the reliability of telecommunications equipment in the New York area by establishing a more resilient configuration with local exchange carriers and updating their automation system.
A representative for Secretary Duffy pointed to an interview he gave to Fox Business, where he criticized Democrats for their newfound concern about air traffic control. Duffy stated that the Biden-Buttigieg era spent $1.2 trillion on infrastructure but neglected to address the aging air traffic control system. He asserted that the Trump administration was working to rebuild the system.
