Central ND News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota has joined as a cosponsor for the Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation is spearheaded by Representatives Nick Begich from Alaska and Maggie Goodlander from New Hampshire. The act addresses the shortage of air traffic controllers in the U.S. and aims to invest in the future of American aviation.

The bill proposes to formalize and expand the FAA's Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), enhance recruitment and retention incentives, finance tower simulator systems, and provide mental health services for air traffic controllers.

Fedorchak highlighted North Dakota's role in training new air traffic controllers, largely due to the program at the University of North Dakota. "This bill strengthens that pipeline between classrooms and our control towers," she said. She expressed her support for modernizing the workforce needed to ensure safe growth in aviation.

Representative Begich emphasized Alaska's reliance on safe air travel for essential services. He described the act as a "commonsense solution" to strengthen national safety by investing in skilled professionals.

Goodlander stressed the importance of supporting air traffic controllers, acknowledging their challenging roles. She stated her pride in leading this legislative effort aimed at improving recruitment, working conditions, and providing necessary equipment for safety.

Currently, there is a significant shortfall of Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs) employed by the FAA—2,300 fewer than required—which has resulted in mandatory overtime and increased fatigue among existing staff. The proposed legislation seeks to address these issues by enhancing training pipelines, upgrading equipment, and deploying simulators nationwide to speed up training processes.

The key provisions include authorizing $20 million annually for AT-CTI schools' curriculum development, removing penalties deterring retired controllers from instructing roles, expanding Tower Simulator Systems usage, developing incentive programs for recruitment and retention by the FAA, supporting tailored mental health services for high-stress ATC work environments, and requiring curriculum modernization with FAA oversight.

The bill has garnered support from several organizations within the aviation sector such as NATCA, ATCA, Airlines for America (A4A), AAAE among others. It serves as a companion piece to Senate bill S. 697 led by Senator John Hoeven from North Dakota.