US Senator Eric Schmitt, Republican of Missouri, has introduced legislation that would direct $30 billion into air traffic control modernization, terminal construction, and airport infrastructure — the latest congressional attempt to address capacity constraints across the National Airspace System.

The Modern Skies Act builds on $12.5 billion Congress has already appropriated for a new air traffic control system, funding that covered telecommunications upgrades, radar replacement, facility improvements, controller training, and runway safety programs. Schmitt's bill would extend that federal commitment across both airspace and airport infrastructure.

Where the money goes

The largest single component is $10.1 billion for the next phase of FAA air traffic control modernization. That funding would support consolidation of ATC facilities, development of a common automation platform and a standardized controller workstation, cloud and telecommunications infrastructure, and modern air traffic flow-management technology. According to the bill's framing, these investments would integrate the National Airspace System, improve management of congestion and disruption, and support future aviation growth.

A further $10 billion would fund terminal, tower, and airport improvements, split three ways. $2 billion would go toward constructing and modernizing air traffic control towers and facilities, including digital tower technology. $3 billion would fund discretionary Airport Improvement Program projects. The remaining $5 billion would support airport terminal modernization, continuing the Airport Terminal Program and covering airports of different sizes.

Terminal pilot program

The bill dedicates another $10 billion to an Aging Terminal Pilot Program, which would modernize or rebuild major terminals at up to three medium hub airports. The pilot has multiple stated objectives: demonstrating how substantial federal investment can improve aging terminals, expanding passenger capacity, preserving distinctive architecture, supporting airline competition, and strengthening service to smaller communities.

The program also carries a replication mandate of sorts — it aims to develop design approaches that other airports could adopt, positioning the three selected facilities as templates for terminal reconstruction elsewhere in the system.

Funding flexibility

Beyond new appropriations, the legislation would give the FAA authority to transfer previously appropriated funding among components of the new ATC system as implementation progresses. Congressional reporting requirements would remain in place, preserving oversight even as the agency gains flexibility to shift money between programs.

Taken together, the investments would upgrade the technology used to manage aircraft, the towers and facilities controllers rely on, and the airport infrastructure passengers and airlines depend on — addressing both how aircraft move through the airspace and the condition of the airports where trips begin and end.

Context and outlook

The bill arrives as the FAA continues the early stages of deploying its replacement ATC system following the initial $12.5 billion appropriation. For airlines, the practical stakes center on flow-management capability and congestion handling; for airports, particularly medium hubs with dated terminals, the pilot program could unlock federal capital at a scale the Airport Terminal Program has not previously offered.

The Modern Skies Act now moves to the Senate legislative process, where its fate will depend on committee action and the broader appropriations climate.