**Bipartisan legislation would strengthen enhanced AT-CTI program, improve ATC recruitment, training and retention**

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) today introduced the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Workforce Development Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to address ATC staffing shortages, improve working conditions for controllers and ensure the safe transportation of people and goods within U.S. airspace. The new legislation builds upon several years of work between Senators Shaheen and Hoeven to support the ATC workforce and address understaffing. Earlier this month, in light of the recent tragic aviation collision at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), the pair of Senators called on the FAA to urgently work with Congress to address staffing shortages. 

“Increasingly frequent near-misses and close calls over the last several years—coupled with recent aviation tragedies like the one last month in D.C.—are sobering reminders that we must do more to keep our skies safe,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to expand the air traffic controller workforce pipeline, enhance training facilities and equipment, improve recruitment and retention efforts and more. I hope this bill moves quickly so we can address the shortage of air traffic controllers and strengthen aviation safety.” 

Among other priorities, the ATC Workforce Development Act would:  

• Expand the ATC workforce training pipeline by codifying and strengthening the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program.  
• The bill authorizes $20 million per year for grants to AT-CTI schools to invest in curriculum, high-fidelity simulators, faculty and classroom supplies. 
• The legislation also removes disincentives that discourage retired air traffic controllers from working as instructors at AT-CTI schools. 
• Currently, four schools have been approved to offer the Enhanced AT-CTI program, under which graduates who successfully pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) are immediately eligible for hire by the FAA and to begin localized training at an air traffic facility. 
• Authorize the procurement and placement of Tower Simulator Systems at ATC facilities nationwide, supporting more efficient certification of ATC trainees.  
• Require the FAA to develop Air Traffic Controller recruitment and retention incentive programs. 
• Support the development of mental health services equipped to address the particular stressors faced by the ATC workforce.  

The legislation is supported by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), Airlines for America (A4A), and Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA). 

A summary of the legislation can be found here and the full bill text can be found here. 

Shaheen and Hoeven have long partnered on strengthening the ATC workforce. Last year, they worked together to include provisions in theFAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that require the FAA to use a more accurate staffing model developed by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO). The pair also authored the Air Traffic Controller Hiring Reform Act, which was signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and required the FAA to prioritize the hiring of veterans and graduates of FAA Certified Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) schools as Air Traffic Controllers.