Duffy Pushes $30 Billion Air Traffic Overhaul as Congress Weighs Year-End Funding Paths
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 26
Duffy Pushes $30 Billion Air Traffic Overhaul as Congress Weighs Year-End Funding Paths
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 26
Summary
Sean Duffy has spent the past month pressing Congress to approve $30 billion for an air traffic control overhaul, saying he wants the money enacted by year-end regardless of the election outcome.
At least 10 public appearances and a multistate media tour underscore the push, but Congress returns in November with a crowded agenda and no clear legislative vehicle.
Sen. Eric Schmitt's September bill to secure the funding still has zero co-sponsors, leaving the money to compete for space in a year-end spending package, supplemental bill or possible reconciliation measure.
Republicans including Ted Cruz and Bernie Moreno have floated reconciliation, but Sen. Shelley Moore Capito called a new package a "Hail Mary," and Susan Collins has opposed using reconciliation instead of regular appropriations.
The funding drive comes after Congress already approved $12.5 billion for Duffy's air traffic control plan in last year's GOP megabill, highlighting how much larger the remaining ask is.