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, a group of aerospace manufacturers, trade associations, and labor unions, supports the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill.
The bill proposes a $1.5 billion increase for the FAA's budget, totaling $22.2 billion, with $10.3 billion allocated for air traffic control (ATC) operations and hiring approximately 2,500 new controllers.
Additionally, the legislation designates $4 billion for FAA facilities and equipment upgrades and $4.5 billion for airport infrastructure projects.
The coalition advocates for the bill to enhance aviation safety, modernize infrastructure, and prevent federal government shutdowns that strain the air traffic control 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.