I write to urge your immediate action to restore full federal funding for aviation-safety programs. The recent fatal runway collision at LaGuardia, despite the presence of advanced Runway Status Lights, shows that technology alone cannot compensate for chronic shortfalls in staffing, training, and infrastructure improvements. Over the past several budget cycles, essential programs within the FAA and NTSB have been pared back, delaying safety-critical research, airport lighting installations, controller hiring, and recurrent training for both air-traffic personnel and first responders.
Commercial aviation remains one of our nation’s great public-safety successes, but that record rests on sustained investment. I therefore respectfully request that you:
1. Fully fund the FAA’s Runway Safety Program, including nationwide deployment and maintenance of RWSL and related surface-surveillance systems.
2. Restore appropriations for ATC recruiting, training, and overtime relief to close the growing controller staffing gap.
3. Reauthorize grants that help airports modernize markings, signage, and emergency-response equipment.
4. Support the NTSB’s investigative and laboratory resources so that safety lessons are identified and acted upon without delay.
Aviation is an economic engine for our state and a critical component of national transportation. Adequate, stable funding for safety programs is not discretionary, lives and livelihoods depend on it. I urge you to champion full funding in the upcoming appropriations and reauthorization bills and to oppose any measures that would weaken the resources dedicated to protecting America’s passengers, crews, and airport workers.
Thank you for your leadership and attention to this urgent matter.
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