Trump Pitches Air Traffic Fund Boost, Essential Air Service Cut

May 2, 2025, 3:21 PM UTC

President Donald Trump wants billions of dollars to bolster an air traffic controller hiring surge, while proposing a cut to the essential air service program that rural lawmakers favor.

The Trump administration is seeking $26.7 billion in discretionary funding for the Transportation Department for fiscal 2026, an increase of 5.8% over 2025, according to a documentreleased Friday. The skinny budget request will allow lawmakers to begin work on fiscal 2026 appropriation bills, while the Office of Management and Budget is expected to release a more complete request in the future.

The Trump administration has faced pressure to address air ...

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