Transportation Sec. Duffy Unveils Air Traffic Control Modernization Legislation With Senator Eric Schmitt

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 28: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford says, "If we had a modern, resilient system, we could save over 20 years, conservatively, $300 billion. So we think that's a pretty good payback. But what's the opportunity cost for not modernizing? We have an industry that's growing in GDP plus 1%. So it's growing faster than the rate of economic growth in the country," as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy listens during a news conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on September 28, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. Duffy and Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) are introducing the Modern Skies Act, a 30 billion dollar request to modernize air traffic control, improve airports, and overhaul outdated infrastructure. (Footage by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)