FAA’s Bedford Defends ATC Modernization Delays But Says More Money Needed

Agency leader also would not commit to giving controllers a 3.8 percent raise provided for by legislation.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 03:30 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford testifies during a House hearing on Tuesday. [Credit: C-SPAN]

Key Takeaways:

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford defended schedule slips in the ATC modernization effort, mainly due to radar replacement delays, and requested at least $10 billion more from Congress, stating current funding is insufficient to complete the ambitious "Brand New ATC System."
Bedford expressed reluctance to commit to a congressionally approved 3.8 percent pay raise for air traffic controllers, citing a need for efficiency improvements first, which drew criticism from committee members concerned about staffing shortages and controller morale.

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FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on Tuesday defended schedule slips in the agency’s air traffic control (ATC) modernization effort. Bedford also asked Congress for “at least $10 billion” more to fund the effort but would not commit to giving ATCs a 3.8 percent raise provided for by legislation passed earlier this year.

Bedford’s remarks before the House Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development illuminated the challenges the FAA faces in delivering what he called “one of the most ambitious and critical infrastructure projects of our time.”