Booker Pushes for USDOT’s “Earnest and Continued Collaboration” Following Announcement of EWR Runway Reopening, and Booker Advocacy

NEWARK, N.J. - Following United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy's visit to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:

"This afternoon, Secretary Duffy visited EWR and highlighted the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's reopening of one of EWR's major runways 13 days ahead of schedule, marking the completion of a $121 million infrastructure upgrade. I applaud the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey for their work to get this rehabilitation completed ahead of schedule. This is an important first step toward helping alleviate and streamline air traffic. However, EWR requires comprehensive federal investments to properly address the needs of New Jersey's travelers, boost resources to support and train our region's air traffic controllers, and maintain the airport's operational integrity. This means emergency supplemental funding for the FAA's Air Traffic Organization (ATO) to properly modernize air traffic control infrastructure at airports nationwide, including at least $2 billion to replace the aging copper wire infrastructure and radar communication technology that Newark Liberty International Airport relies on. The ongoing situation in Newark requires earnest and continued collaboration across all levels of government, and I'm a willing partner. I'm hopeful that the Department of Transportation will continue to work with me and my colleagues in Congress on this issue to bolster one of our nation's busiest airports-- one that tens of thousands of New Jerseyans rely on every day," said Booker.

On May 6, 2025, Senator Booker penned an urgent letter to Secretary Duffy asking the United States Department of Transportation to take steps to immediately address regional air traffic controller staffing shortages and detail all steps the agency is taking to remedy Newark Liberty International Airport's reported telecommunication failures. The full May 6, 2025 letter can be found here.

On May 14, 2025, following additional reported telecommunication failures at Newark Liberty International Airport, Senator Booker led members of New Jersey's congressional delegation in a letter to Senate and House Appropriations Chairs demanding at least $2,000,000,000 in emergency funding to strengthen FAA air traffic control infrastructure. The full May 14, 2025 letter can be found here.