Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., told Newsmax on Tuesday that the new budget bill before Congress has billions ready to pump into America's air traffic control system.
"We are putting more money to attract new people to work as air traffic controllers," Van Drew told "American Agenda." And the system needs a technological upgrade, he added.
"We're putting a lot, and I'm talking billions, more money into the towers and the air traffic control center areas themselves with new technology," the congressman said.
Van Drew explained the funding is marked up with the new spending bill before Congress, so it's not a done deal, but he is optimistic. Past that, he said, the need for equipment upgrades can't be denied. "I toured the air traffic control towers. They were using floppy disks, and they still hadn't had them replaced."
He said it is astounding that air travel safety in the United States relies on such outdated technology. "Floppy disks — they had to go out to stores like Sam's or discount stores to see if they could even find them because they're not even made anymore."
Van Drew said anyone who tries to blame system disruptions on the Trump administration has it all wrong. He blames the lack of spending on critical infrastructure on the Biden administration, which had a much different focus.
"We have copper wire. We're not using fiber optic," he said. "This was left on the feet of this administration and this transportation secretary."
Van Drew said the new focus with the Trump administration is simple and clear. "We've got to focus on being the best and most powerful and strongest nation on the face of the earth."
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Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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