Republican lawmakers are accusing the Biden administration of prioritizing diversity initiatives over critical air traffic control upgrades, raising alarms about aviation safety.
At a Glance
- GOP Rep. Nick Langworthy claims Biden’s infrastructure priorities sidelined air traffic safety
- A 15-year safety record is threatened by outdated systems and staffing shortages
- Langworthy proposes $12 billion in new funding for ATC modernization
- The $25 billion FAA investment in the 2021 infrastructure bill is seen as inadequate
- Republicans seek bipartisan support to rebalance safety and infrastructure priorities
Republicans Call Out Spending Priorities
In a sharp critique of the Biden administration’s infrastructure strategy, Rep. Nick Langworthy, Chair of the House Aviation Safety Caucus, accused the White House of diverting funds from critical aviation needs to diversity and inclusion efforts. Citing the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Langworthy argued that the administration “baked” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs into transportation funding, missing an opportunity to modernize aging Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems.
Langworthy pointed to several near-miss incidents—including a recent power outage at Newark Liberty International Airport—as signs of growing vulnerability within the national aviation network. “We need more bodies,” he said, calling attention to the system-wide staffing shortages and aging infrastructure.
Watch a report: Langworthy Slams Biden’s FAA Priorities – Fox News.
A Safety Record at Risk
The U.S. has enjoyed an extraordinary 15-year streak without a major commercial aviation accident. Langworthy credits previous investments in safety infrastructure but warns that current complacency threatens future outcomes. Referring to a near collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport earlier this year, Langworthy stressed, “It was avoidable.” He’s now pushing for a new $12 billion budget proposal to upgrade ATC systems nationwide.
This funding, he insists, is essential to protect the country’s reputation for aviation safety. “They could have taken that money and spent it on real modernization,” Langworthy said, referencing DEI allocations. His push comes as air traffic controllers report high burnout and critical understaffing—issues the FAA itself has acknowledged in internal audits.
Investing in the Next Generation
Langworthy also called for strategic investment in the ATC workforce. “We should be promoting this to young people,” he said, highlighting the job’s competitive salary but also its intense demands. As baby boomer-era controllers retire and few replacements enter the pipeline, he emphasized the need for serious recruitment incentives.
The Biden administration maintains that its infrastructure priorities reflect a broader vision of equity and inclusion across federal agencies. However, Republican leaders argue that safety-critical sectors like aviation require targeted investment—not social engineering.
As lawmakers prepare for budget negotiations, Langworthy’s camp is urging Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to prioritize modernization over messaging. With bipartisan backing, the GOP hopes to redirect funding toward mission-critical systems before avoidable incidents turn tragic.
