Former air traffic controller: Our air traffic system is being held together with eBay parts

U.S. airspace faces challenges with outdated technology and controller shortages, requiring Senate action on the FAA funding bill Secretary Duffy calls a 'down payment'

The Senate has a pivotal opportunity to be part of the solution and act on provisions included in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The House has already taken an important step by passing the bill, which included $12.5 billion for the FAA.  Paul Rinaldi, the former president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, is senior vice president of Operations and Safety with Airlines for America, the trade association representing the leading U.S.-based passenger and cargo carriers. 

Unless Congress acts with urgency, the National Airspace System (NAS) is going to fall further behind at a time when we are experiencing increased air travel demand and an increased reliance on air cargo shipments.