Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania announced on Monday that he is introducing a bill that would privatize the air traffic control systems in the United States and curb the power of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
"Our Air Traffic Control system is based on technology from the last century," Shuster said during a speech at the Aeroclub of Washington.
"It's questionable whether our ATC system is capable of just sustaining current demands -- delays already cost passengers and the economy $30 billion a year. But, there's no question whether this system can handle the growth that's coming. It cant."
Shuster, who serves as chairman of the House Transportation committee, blames government bureaucracy for inefficient air traffic control systems. He claims it is important to separate air traffic control from our safety regulators.
The Pennsylvania Republican's proposal is set to be reviewed by FAA officials who will outline structural reforms.
"Every day, FAA employees help manage the most complex aviation environment in the world, and they do an outstanding job," Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said, according to CNN.
"The FAA's safety record is second to none."
