Reps. Gillen and Mann Advance Bipartisan Bill to Address Aviation Workforce Shortage

Rep. Gillen's full committee remarks can be found HERE.

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) and Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the Military Air Traffic Control Transition Actand advanced the bill through the Committee. This bipartisan bill aims to address the shortage of air traffic controllers by making it easier for skilled military controllers to join the civilian workforce, ensuring safer skies and a stronger, more reliable air traffic system.

"Our aviation system is stretched thin, even as highly trained military air traffic controllers stand ready to serve," said Rep. Gillen. "Today, the FAA employs six percent fewer controllers than it did in 2015 and in 2023, TRACON N90 in Nassau County operated at less than 85 percent of the FAA's target staffing level. These shortages have led to increased flight delays and cancellations and put the safety of our airspace at risk. This bill addresses these challenges by streamlining the transition process for military controllers, who too often face unnecessary barriers and unclear pathways into civilian roles. I'm proud to lead this effort to ease staffing shortages, strengthen our air traffic system and support our dedicated service members."

"Civilian military officials work hard to aid our military, and they deserve fair job opportunities when returning to non-defense work," said Rep. Mann. "Our Military Air Traffic Control Transition Act creates an easier pathway for experienced Military controllers to join the FAA and protect American aviation while honoring their prior experience in service to our nation. This is a commonsense step to alleviate the strain on our Air Traffic Controllers and to ensure accomplished military officials can use their skills to protect our skies. I am grateful the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed our bill, and I look forward to its consideration by the full House of Representatives."

"As this committee works to modernize the nation's air traffic control system, we have to continue to prioritize growing the FAA's workforce," said Rep. Rick Larsen, Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "A robust and skilled aviation workforce is critical to ensuring the safety of the flying public and this legislation is an important step to meeting the staffing demands of our evolving airspace. I want to thank Representative Gillen for leading this legislation, as well as the FAA Managers' Association and NATCA for their organizational support."

"The FAA Managers Association (FAAMA) strongly supports the recently introduced Military Air Traffic Control Transition Act. This important legislation will help ensure much-needed collaboration between the FAA and DOD Civilian authorities on the potential transition of air traffic managers, supervisors and controllers to new career paths," said Mike Smith, President, FAA Managers Association. "If enacted, this bill would mark a significant step in opening up a new pipeline of experienced managers, supervisors and controllers to help address major staffing shortages across the air traffic spectrum. FAAMA applauds Congresswoman Laura Gillen and Congressman Tracey Mann for their leadership on this vital issue and looks forward to helping them advance this effort forward in the coming months."

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

This bill has been endorsed by: The FAA Managers Association, National Air Traffic Controllers Association.