05.08.25

Hoeven, Shaheen Statement on Introduction of House Companion to Air Traffic Control Workforce Legislation

Senators Authored Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Strengthen Enhanced AT-CTI Program, Improve ATC Recruitment, Training & Retention

WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) issued the following statement after Representatives Nick Begich III (R-AK) and Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) introduced a House companion bill to their Air Traffic Control (ATC) Workforce Development Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation they introduced with Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). The bill will help address ATC staffing shortages, improve working conditions and ensure the safe transportation of people and goods within U.S. airspace. Additional House cosponsors include Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Salud Carbajal (D-Cal.), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), Jennifer Kiggans (R-Virginia), Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.) and David Taylor (R-Ohio) and Delegate King-Hinds (R-Northern Mariana Islands).

“Recent aviation tragedies and accidents have made it clear that we need to do more to overcome attrition in the ATC workforce. Our legislation is all about training, recruiting and retaining air traffic controllers to ensure air travel is safe and efficient,” said Senator Hoeven. “We appreciate Representatives Begich and Stanton for introducing a House companion bill. We continue working to pass this legislation to expand the training capacity at schools like the University of North Dakota (UND) and get more controllers into FAA towers and radar facilities. At the same time, our legislation provides better benefits to support workers and boost recruitment and retention. Our bill is all about improving the safety of our skies for the American public.”

“Increasingly frequent aviation tragedies and close calls are serious, solemn reminders that there’s more we can do to make our skies safer – and our bipartisan bill to strengthen the air traffic controller workforce is a good place to start,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m glad to see our Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act earn strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. I hope our bill now moves quickly through both chambers so we can expand the air traffic controller workforce pipeline, enhance training facilities and equipment, improve recruitment and retention efforts and more to strengthen aviation safety.”

Specifically, the legislation would:

  • Expand the ATC workforce training pipeline by codifying and strengthening the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program.
    • The bill authorizes $20 million per year for grants to AT-CTI schools to invest in curriculum, high-fidelity simulators, faculty and classroom supplies.
    • The legislation also removes disincentives that discourage retired air traffic controllers from working as instructors at AT-CTI schools.
    • Hoeven worked to advance UND’s selection as an Enhanced AT-CTI program, under which graduates are immediately eligible for hire by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and to begin localized training at an air traffic facility. Currently, four schools, including UND have been selected for the Enhanced AT-CTI program.
  • Authorize the procurement and placement of Tower Simulator Systems at ATC facilities nationwide, supporting more efficient certification of ATC trainees.
  • Require the FAA to develop Air Traffic Controller recruitment and retention incentive programs, which inspired the FAA to implement new ATC incentive programs.
  • Support the development of mental health services equipped to address the particular stressors faced by the ATC workforce.

The ATC Workforce Development Act is supported by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), Airlines for America (A4A), Regional Airline Association (RAA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), U.S. Contract Towers Association and the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).

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