Bill · S. 3929· Senate(119-S-3929)
Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act
- Introduced
- 2/26/2026
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Sponsored by
- Tim Sheehy
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act requires the FAA Administrator to install certified airborne position reference tools at specific air traffic control towers. These towers are those operating under contract with the FAA and lacking Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems or other situational awareness tools. The bill also mandates the purchase, installation, and maintenance of these systems or their equivalents. Additionally, it requires the establishment of training programs for air traffic controllers to ensure they can efficiently use the new technology. Finally, the act provides for reimbursements to airport sponsors or towers that independently acquired such systems prior to these mandates.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Equipment at Control Towers: The FAA Administrator must acquire and install certified Airborne Position Reference Tools at towers operating under contract that currently lack Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems or other situational awareness tools (Section 2(a)). This could provide better situational awareness for air traffic operations.
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Standardized Technology and Maintenance: The Secretary is required to purchase, install, and maintain a Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, or an equivalent system, for towers not currently equipped with such tools (Section 2(b)).
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Improved Controller Training: The bill requires the establishment of a training program in consultation with contract tower operators to ensure air traffic controllers can properly and efficiently use the new situational awareness equipment and technology (Section 2(c)).
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Financial Reimbursement: The Secretary of Transportation must provide reimbursement to airport sponsors or air traffic control towers that independently acquired and installed certified situational awareness systems or Airborne Position Reference Tools prior to the government's installation (Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
No significant interests or groups are affected by this bill.
- 9/16/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2/26/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon