Inhofe, Lankford, Russell, Cole on ATC Bill Signed Into Law

U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford, as well as U.S. Reps. Steve Russell and Tom Cole, today praised H.R. 5785, a measure that eliminated the annuity cap for retired Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) who work as ATC instructors, as it was signed into law by President Obama. This annuity income cap disincentivized retired air traffic controllers from working full-time as instructors and thus created the need for several part-time instructors to fill the void. The enactment of this law will encourage instructors to work full-time, create more continuity in the classroom, reduce training costs, and help ensure the safety of our skies.

"I am pleased that as we wrap up this year, the President has signed a bill into law that ensures the next generation of air traffic controllers have a consistent training environment and experienced instructors," Inhofe said. "Hundreds of instructors are needed to make sure our nation's air traffic controllers are prepared to manage the complicated network of air traffic in the National Airspace System and this law has removed the government red tape impeding that effort. I appreciate the work of my Oklahoma colleagues for their work on this important bill."

"I am thankful that the President has signed this bill into law, which will help support experienced air traffic control instructors to teach a new generation of air traffic control students," Lankford said. "The passage of this common-sense legislation will mean the FAA will be able to continue hiring new air traffic controllers to address the staffing shortages that exist across the nation. This bill was vital for the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and the training they provide for new controllers that will report to control towers and en route centers all across America."

"I would like to thank President Obama for signing this bill into law," Russell said. "It is paramount that we secure our skies with the expertise of well-trained air traffic controllers and their instructors. We should encourage exceptional controllers to work full-time as instructors, rather than financially penalize them for training the next generation. I am pleased that this will increase efficiency at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center training academy and simultaneously save millions of American taxpayer dollars while keeping our skies safe."

"I'm pleased the President has signed this important legislation during a time when our nation is facing a critical shortage of air traffic controllers," Cole said. "Removing obstructive government regulations in order to ensure our nation's best air traffic controllers can train the next generation makes sense. Our skies will be safer thanks to this important legislation."