Congress·In Committee·S. 3929

Sen. Sheehy Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Upgrade Safety Tech at Smaller Air Traffic Control Towers

Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act

19 days ago·View on Congress.gov

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Key Points

This bill requires the FAA to buy and install modern aircraft tracking tools at smaller, contract-operated air traffic control towers that currently lack them. These tools help controllers see exactly where planes are to help prevent accidents.
From policy text
“the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall acquire and install certified Airborne Position Reference Tools at air traffic control towers of the Federal Aviation Administration that are-- (1) operating under contract with the Federal Aviation Administration”
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The FAA would have one year from enactment to purchase and set up these systems. The bill also requires a training program so controllers at contract towers know how to use the new equipment properly.
From policy text
“shall establish, in consultation with contract tower operators, an appropriate training program to periodically train air traffic controllers employed by such operators to ensure proper and efficient integration and use of the situational awareness equipment”
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Airports that already spent their own money to install this safety equipment before the FAA acts would be reimbursed by the federal government, ensuring early adopters aren't penalized financially.
From policy text
“the Secretary of Transportation shall provide to any airport sponsor or air traffic control tower described in subsection (a)-- (1) reimbursement for any certified situational awareness system (including Airborne Position Reference Tools in accordance with subsection (a)) that was independently acquired and installed”
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The bill has bipartisan support, introduced by Senators Sheehy and Daines (Republicans from Montana) along with Senators Merkley and Wyden (Democrats from Oregon), suggesting the issue crosses party lines.
From policy text
“Mr. Sheehy (for himself, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Daines, and Mr. Wyden) introduced the following bill”
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The legislation specifically targets contract towers that lack Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) or other situational awareness tools, closing a technology gap between major airports and smaller regional ones.
From policy text
“not equipped with Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems or other situational awareness tools”
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

StateScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Feb 26, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Feb 26, 2026

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 1 year of enactment

FAA must install certified tracking tools at all qualifying contract towers

Smaller airports get the same kind of aircraft position awareness technology that major airports already have, improving safety for passengers and local communities.

Upon enactment

Airports that already bought safety equipment can apply for federal reimbursement

Regional airports and tower operators who paid out of pocket for qualifying tracking systems would get their money back from the federal government.