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NJ SCR134
NJ SCR134Respectfully urges Congress to appropriate emergency funds for and increase staffing at facilities supporting Newark Liberty International Airport.
summary
Introduced
06/05/2025
06/05/2025
In Committee
06/05/2025
06/05/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a critical transportation hub for New Jersey, serving nearly 50 million passengers annually and supporting the State's economy through air travel, cargo transport, and tourism. In July 2024, control of EWR's airspace was transferred from New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) to Philadelphia TRACON, a move intended to address understaffing at New York TRACON. The shift to Philadelphia TRACON did not increase the number of air traffic controllers available to manage EWR's airspace. EWR has experienced multiple serious air traffic control system disruptions, including radar and communications outages which have resulted in flight delays, flight cancellations, ground stops, and air traffic controllers taking medical leave. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has struggled with outdated infrastructure for decades and has acknowledged that old systems, such as aging copper telecommunications lines and remote radar feeds, are contributing to the ongoing issues at EWR. The FAA is below targeted staffing levels nationwide and the Philadelphia TRACON remains affected by the nationwide air traffic controller shortage, with only 22 fully certified controllers and several others still in training, putting air traffic controllers in untenable situations and leading to precautionary flight caps at EWR, exacerbating flight delays and cancellations. On May 8, 2025, the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation announced a plan to build a brand new air traffic control system, but this long-term plan will take years to complete and action to modernize air traffic control infrastructure and increase staffing at EWR is urgently needed now. The safe, efficient, and modern functioning of the national airspace system is a federal responsibility, and ensuring system reliability and resilience at high-volume airports like EWR is essential to avoiding catastrophes and protecting public safety, regional economic continuity, and national mobility, and is in the best interests of the State.
AI Summary
This joint resolution respectfully urges the United States Congress to take immediate action to address critical infrastructure and staffing issues at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The resolution highlights that EWR is a vital transportation hub serving nearly 50 million passengers annually, but has been experiencing significant air traffic control challenges, including recent airspace control transfer, radar and communications outages, and staffing shortages. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently struggling with outdated infrastructure and nationwide air traffic controller shortages, with the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) having only 22 fully certified controllers. While the Department of Transportation has announced a long-term plan to build a new air traffic control system, the resolution emphasizes the urgent need for emergency funds to modernize infrastructure and increase staffing now to prevent further disruptions, protect public safety, and maintain regional economic continuity. The resolution calls for Congress to appropriate emergency funds and directs that copies be sent to key congressional leaders, federal transportation officials, and New Jersey's congressional delegation.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee (on 06/05/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SCR134 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/SCR/134_I1.HTM |
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