Modern Skies Act Seeks $30 Billion for Air Traffic
A bipartisan bill would fund air traffic control modernization and airport upgrades after a nationwide ground stop disrupted flights.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Air Travel
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Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., and Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan., introduced the Modern Skies Act, which would direct about $30 billion toward air traffic control modernization and airport improvements. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called on Congress to fund the bill following a nationwide ground stop.
Why it matters
The bill is intended to fund the next phase of the FAA's modernization effort, following $12.5 billion Congress previously approved for initial upgrades. Supporters say the investment would improve safety and reliability as air traffic grows.
The bill would provide about $10.1 billion for air traffic control technology and $10 billion for control towers and airport improvements, with a separate $10 billion grant program for as many as three medium-size airports. A complete overhaul of the air traffic control system would cost approximately $50 billion, and it is not yet clear how the funding would be divided.
The players
Sean Duffy
Sean Duffy is the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, overseeing the Federal Aviation Administration and national transportation policy.
Eric Schmitt
Eric Schmitt is a Republican U.S. senator from Missouri who has focused on federal infrastructure and transportation issues.
Tracey Mann
Tracey Mann is a Republican U.S. representative from Kansas serving in the House of Representatives.
The details
The bill would give the FAA flexibility to shift some previously approved modernization funds among projects and would require the agency to report its spending to Congress. It would fund a shared automation platform, controller workstations, cloud and telecommunications infrastructure, and air traffic management systems.
Timeline
September: Schmitt and Mann introduce the Modern Skies Act in the Senate and House.
October: A House version of the bill is introduced.
Friday: A nationwide ground stop halts flights, prompting Duffy's call for funding.
Roadmap
The Modern Skies Act builds on the $12.5 billion Congress previously approved for initial FAA modernization upgrades, extending that effort into a larger funding phase. The proposal would expand the scope of federal air traffic investment as airspace demand grows.
Travelers may see disruptions from ground stops and air traffic delays until modernization funding is approved and implemented. Passengers should check flight status and build extra time into connections during periods of heavy air traffic.
The takeaway
Air travel reliability depends on investment in the systems that guide aircraft, and the Modern Skies Act is one proposal to fund that work. Travelers can monitor congressional action to see whether these upgrades move forward.
Further reading
For more on how these changes could affect flights, see Air Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The National Desk.
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Should Congress approve $30 billion to modernize air traffic control and airports?
