Duffy asks Congress to fund $30 billion effort to modernize air traffic control system

Published September 28, 2026 3:54pm ET | Updated September 28, 2026 3:54pm ET



The Transportation Department and Federal Aviation Administration are pleading with Congress to fund a $30 billion project to finish modernizing the nation’s air traffic control system and, in turn, address flight delays and cancellations.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced the introduction of the Modern Skies Act at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Monday afternoon. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) debuted the bill and is leading the effort on Capitol Hill, which Duffy called the “most bipartisan effort in Washington.”

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