Duffy Seeks $30 Billion for Aviation Upgrades

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy asked Congress on Monday for an additional $30 billion to modernize aging air traffic control and airport infrastructure. The request follows $12.5 billion Congress approved over five years in June 2025. DOT and the FAA have greenlit an AI-enhanced air traffic control system for all U.S. airports by 2028. Duffy said $10 billion would replace 1980s-era telecom architecture and build new software now dating to the 1990s. Another $10 billion would replace towers from the 1960s and 1970s and fund new runways. Remaining funds would go to mid-size airports short on capital. Systems still use paper flight strips, floppy disks and copper wire. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said modernization could save $300 billion over two decades, while sustaining legacy systems could cost $1.6 trillion. Chris Sununu, Nick Daniels and Jason Ambrosi appeared in support. Ambrosi said the country is flying 21st-century airplanes through a 20th-century system. Sen. Eric Schmitt then introduced the Modern Skies Act to authorize the $30 billion. Prior funding is reported as $12.5 billion over five years and also as $12 billion for the flight activity monitoring system; no other factual disputes found. Duffy said core software and infrastructure could be done in two and a half years if Congress provides the resources. Congress must still approve the additional funding.