S.Amdt. 2586

Mr. Durbin submitted amendment SA 2586, which aims to strike section _0003 and insert a new section focused on air traffic control staffing and modernization. The purpose of this amendment is to provide specific funding to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal year 2025, lasting until September 30, 2029, to improve aviation safety, upgrade facilities and equipment, cover personnel expenses, and keep our elected officials accountable through regular reporting.

Here is what the amendment aims to add and change by funding specific needs:

• $2,640,000,000 for air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control facility replacement, which includes at least $240,000,000 for the Contract Tower Program and airport sponsor owned tower replacements.

• $2,000,000,000 for air route traffic control center replacement.

• $3,000,000,000 for radar systems replacement.

• $4,750,000,000 for telecommunications infrastructure and systems replacement.

• $500,000,000 for runway safety projects, airport surface surveillance projects, and carrying out section 347 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

• $550,000,000 for unstaffed infrastructure sustainment and replacement.

• $300,000,000 to carry out section 619 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

• $260,000,000 to carry out section 44745 of title 49, United States Code.

• $1,000,000,000 for air traffic controller recruitment, retention, training, and advanced training technologies.

To make sure the people's money is watched closely, the amendment also adds a rule requiring the Administrator to submit a report to Congress describing any expenditures under this section not later than 180 days after the enactment of the Act, and every 90 days after that.