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:

The FAA's air traffic control modernization effort (BNATCS) faces schedule slips for radar replacement due to supply chain issues, despite progress in other areas, and requires at least $10 billion more in funding to prevent increased delays and cancellations.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford defended these delays but would not commit to implementing a legislated 3.8% pay raise for air traffic controllers, citing a need for improved workforce efficiency, which drew strong criticism from members of Congress.

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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.”