H.R. 8597, the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, advanced out of committee on September 15, 2026.
H.R. 8597 — Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act
What it does
This bill requires the FAA to buy and install certified airborne position reference tools (devices that help air traffic controllers see aircraft locations) at contract-operated control towers that lack them, within one year. It also mandates the FAA purchase and install Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) at contract towers without them, and requires training programs for controllers. Towers that already bought these systems on their own can seek reimbursement from the federal government.
Quorum's transparency scan gave Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act a moderate transparency flag.
What happens next
H.R. 8597 advanced out of committee. Next stop: a floor vote.
Who is behind it
Filed by Nicholas Begich. Cosponsored by Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Laura Gillen and Troy Nehls.
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