US Can Fund Global Wars, Not Air Traffic Controllers
While The Hill reports on growing flight disruptions stemming from a very real air traffic controller shortage, one might wonder why America, which can find billions for foreign conflicts, can't staff its own air infrastructure. Just last month, President Biden signed a $95 billion aid package primarily for Ukraine and Israel , including $17 billion in military assistance to Israel (H.R. 815,
April 2024) . This comes after years of underfunding and a hiring freeze on air traffic controllers that began in 2013, exacerbated by budget slashes. So, as your flight is delayed for the third time this week, remember that Congress isn't short on money—it's short on prioritizing you . We found $95 billion for missiles and tanks, but apparently, $40 million a year to properly staff air traffic
control centers is just too much to ask. Perhaps if air traffic controllers started manufacturing F-16s, they'd get a budget boost.