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119-hr-8597119th CongressWALLET

Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act

Sponsored By: Representative Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

In Committee

Summary

This bill would speed modernization of FAA Contract Tower Program sites by requiring certified Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRTs) and STARS or equivalent systems at towers that lack them, with a 1-year deadline. It would also require operator training, authorize federal funding for APRTs, and provide retroactive reimbursement for prior installations.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New tracking equipment for contract towers

If enacted, the FAA would buy and install certified Airborne Position Reference Tools at contract air traffic control towers that do not have STARS or similar tools. The Secretary would also have to buy and install a STARS or equivalent system at those towers within one year, with OEM or FAA services used for installation and maintenance. The bill would authorize funds to cover APRT purchase, installation, and annual operating costs and would require retroactive reimbursement or grants to airports that already bought approved systems. The Secretary would set up periodic training, with contract tower operators, to teach controllers how to use the new equipment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

AK • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large]

    MP • R

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 6/25/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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