Washington, D.C. – Following a mid-air collision this month leaving dozens of air travelers dead in Washington D.C., North Dakota Senator John Hoeven is joining a bipartisan effort to prevent future crashes.
The Republican is introducing legislation to bolster air traffic control.
67 people were killed when a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River on Jan. 29.
According to a press release, the Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025 will tackle staffing, work conditions and “ensure the safe transportation of people and goods within U.S. airspace”.
The measure includes $20 million in grants yearly for investments in college-level ATC courses, training equipment and supplies.
“Without an adequate workforce of qualified air traffic controllers, air travel cannot function in a safe and efficient manner, a reality made clear by recent aviation tragedies and accidents,” Hoeven said in a written statement.
Back in January, the Federal Aviation Administration selected the University of North Dakota as one of a handful of schools that are next in line to offer the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative.
The bill would also eliminate obstacles that discourage retired air traffic controllers from becoming instructors.
The FAA already announced a goal of hiring 2,000 controllers in 2025.
Hoeven is joining fellow U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) in filing the bill.
In its initial findings into deadly crash, the FAA discovered air traffic control staffing was “not normal” at the time of the mid-air crash.
