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The airport’s air traffic control facilities have been understaffed for years, with only 19 fully certified controllers on deck as of September 2023, according to Congress’ Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan report.
During his first term (2017–2021), President Donald Trump proposed significant changes to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its operations. In 2017, his administration unveiled an infrastructure plan that included a $2.4 billion cut to federal transportation programs, aiming to eliminate subsidies for long-distance trains and commercial flights to rural communities. Additionally, Trump advocated for privatizing the FAA's air traffic control system, suggesting it be transformed into a private nonprofit corporation.
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In 2019, the FAA announced $840 million in grants to improve airport facilities, and President Trump proposed $17.1 billion in funding for the FAA. This proposal passed the House Appropriations Committee with an additional $614 million, totaling $17.7 billion for the FAA. These funds were allocated to over 380 airports across 47 states for various improvement projects.
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Furthermore, the Trump administration pursued deregulation efforts, including executive orders to reduce regulatory oversight and shift supervision to industry. The 2019 budget proposed an 18% cut to the Department of Transportation's budget, which could have impacted the FAA's resources and oversight capabilities.
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These initiatives reflect the administration's broader goals of reducing government involvement in certain sectors and promoting privatization and deregulation within the aviation industry.