Rep. Frank Lucas is pushing legislation to exempt the Federal Aviation Administration Academy in Oklahoma City from future government shutdowns. The academy, located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, produces trained air traffic controllers to address a national shortage in the workforce. Concerns over air safety and recent plane crashes highlight the importance of a steady stream of skilled professionals in this field. Lucas’ bill aims to keep the academy open and protect employees and students from furloughs during shutdowns.
With bipartisan support, including from Sen. Markwayne Mullin, the academy trains thousands of students annually in aviation fields. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has recognized the need for more air traffic controllers and has proposed measures to recruit and retain talent, including boosting starting salaries for academy graduates.
The previous government shutdown disrupted the academy’s training process, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring a continuous flow of students to meet workforce demands. Lucas’ bill also addresses potential cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency, aiming to secure the future of the academy and other critical areas like food safety inspections.
By exempting the FAA academy from shutdowns and ensuring a stable pipeline of air traffic controllers, Rep. Frank Lucas is working to uphold air safety and address workforce shortages in the aviation industry. His efforts have garnered support across party lines in the pursuit of a more secure and efficient aviation system in the United States.
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