On June 4, 2025, Christopher Rocheleau, Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development regarding the FAA's Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. The FAA is seeking $22 billion in new funding, supplemented by $5 billion in previously enacted ​

Rocheleau emphasized the FAA's commitment to maintaining the safest airspace in the world while preparing for future challenges. ​ He urged the committee to support the budget request to ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in aviation.

appropriations, totaling $27 billion to enhance the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). ​

Key priorities outlined in the budget include a historic $4 billion investment in Facilities & Equipment to modernize air traffic control systems and address emerging technological challenges. ​ This includes $1 billion to upgrade outdated telecommunications infrastructure to a modern Internet Protocol-based network and $450 million to launch the Radar Replacement Program, aimed at replacing aging radar systems to improve surveillance and reduce delays. ​

The FAA is also addressing the air traffic controller shortage with a $97.3 million allocation to recruit and train up to 2,500 new controllers in FY 2026. ​ Efforts include streamlining hiring processes, increasing starting salaries for trainees, and expanding opportunities for military controllers. 

Click here for a copy of Acting Administrator Rocheleau’s testimony.

Click here to watch the testimony.