ATC Protection Act

House Votes

This proposal aims to keep the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stable and focused on safety. It would require Congress to approve any plan to reduce, replace, or outsource 1% or more of the FAA’s workers, and it would make the Transportation Department explain why and how such a change would affect the wider travel system before asking for that approval. It also says another government department cannot take control of the FAA, and it bars the privatization or outsourcing of the FAA’s air traffic control system.

In everyday terms, this would slow down big staffing cuts or outside takeovers of key FAA jobs. That could help keep air travel safe and predictable for passengers, airports, and airlines by preventing sudden changes in the people who manage flights and air traffic control.

• Who is affected: FAA employees, air traffic controllers, travelers, airlines, and airports.
• What changes: Big workforce cuts or outsourcing need Congress’s approval; air traffic control cannot be privatized; another department cannot control the FAA.
• When: These rules would apply to any future plan once the bill becomes law.