{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-begich-gillen-introduce-air-traffic-situational-awareness-enhancement-act", "Reps. Begich, Gillen Introduce the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act", "2026-05-04", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Nicholas J. Begich III", "B001323", "begich.house.gov", "begich", "https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 May 4, 2026 \u2013 Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) and Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY) introduced H.R. 8597, the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation to equip air traffic controllers with modern tools and training to strengthen aviation safety. This bill serves as the House companion to Senate legislation led by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).\n\n\u201cAs Congress continues its work to modernize our nation\u2019s air traffic control systems, we must ensure those improvements reach every corner of the country,\u201d said Congressman Begich. \u201cThis legislation builds on those efforts, making sure our air traffic control professionals have access to the most modern, reliable technology available. By equipping contract towers with proven situational awareness tools, we are strengthening safety and ensuring our aviation system remains the gold standard worldwide.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s air traffic controllers are being pushed to the brink with long hours, staffing shortages, outdated tools and record burnout rates. They deserve access to the technology and training they need to efficiently do their work and keep our airspaces safe,\u201d said Congresswoman Gillen. \u201cI\u2019m proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act to ensure the FAA is installing advanced situational awareness technology in our air traffic towers, removing workplace barriers and giving our air traffic controllers a clear view of our sky at all times.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nNumerous airports across the country in the Federal Contract Tower Program lack modern surveillance tools such as Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS).\n\nThe Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act addresses this gap by:\n\nRequiring the FAA to acquire and install Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRTs) at contract towers that lack advanced situational awareness systems;\n\nDirecting the FAA to establish a training program to ensure controllers can effectively integrate and use these tools; and\n\nAuthorizing funding for the acquisition, installation, and operation of APRTs, while reimbursing airports that have already invested in this technology.\n\nAPRTs use ADS-B data to provide controllers with a real-time display of aircraft in local airspace, significantly improving awareness and reducing risk. Since the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which called for improved situational awareness technology at contract towers, APRTs have been deployed at several airports nationwide. Early results have shown enhanced controller confidence and improved operational safety.\n\nThe bill has broad industry support from leading aviation organizations, including the Regional Airline Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Airlines for America, National Business Aviation Association, and the U.S. Contract Tower Association.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-begich-gillen-introduce-air-traffic-situational-awareness-enhancement-act"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9838670957833529, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}