Modern Skies Coalition Backs Transportation Bill

Legislation would increase FAA funding by $1.5 billion.

Zach Vasile

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Air traffic control tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The Modern Skies Coalition, representing aerospace manufacturers, trade associations, and labor unions, is advocating for the passage of the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill.
The proposed bill would significantly increase the FAA's budget by $1.5 billion to $22.2 billion, with $10.3 billion specifically allocated for air traffic control (ATC) operations and the hiring of approximately 2,500 new controllers.
The legislation also includes $4 billion for FAA facilities and equipment upgrades, supporting the coalition's goals to enhance air safety and prevent future government shutdowns that strain the ATC system.

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A coalition of aerospace manufacturers, trade associations, and labor unions focused on modernizing the nation’s airspace is throwing its support behind a transportation appropriations bill in Congress that would increase funding for the FAA and the air traffic control (ATC) system.

According to a summary released by the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026 would grow the FAA’s budget by $1.5 billion to around $22.2 billion. $10.3 billion would be used to fund ATC operations and hire about 2,500 controllers to replace the retiring workforce.