MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system following disruptions caused during the recent 43-day federal government shutdown. Thune delivered the remarks on the Senate floor ahead of the Thanksgiving travel period, noting that air travel operations had returned to normal before the holiday surge.

Thune said the shutdown created widespread flight delays and forced the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce air traffic as a safety measure. He thanked air traffic controllers who continued working without pay during the shutdown.

Even before the shutdown, Thune said the air traffic control system faced challenges related to aging technology and a national staffing shortage, with the system operating nearly 4,000 controllers short of full strength. He pointed to recent equipment failures at Newark Liberty International Airport as an example of the need for updates.

According to Thune, modernization remains a priority for Congress and the administration. He referenced recent federal investments intended to deploy updated technology to towers across the country and support the hiring and training of additional controllers. This year’s transportation funding bill includes support for adding 2,500 new controllers next year.

Thune said the Commerce Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee recently held a hearing examining air travel operations during the shutdown and broader system challenges. He emphasized that modernizing air traffic control infrastructure will help improve safety, efficiency and reliability for travelers and supply chains.

“Things won’t be fixed overnight,” Thune said, “but … we are making progress toward a state-of-the-art air traffic control system for America.”