EAS is a critical lifeline connecting small and rural communities to the national air transportation system. RAA thanks the Senate Appropriations Committee for its continued efforts to protect this program that supports economic stability and connectivity. The Committee’s investment follows last week’s passage of the House FY2026 THUD spending bill, which also fully funds the EAS program.
The bill also continues making essential investments in modernizing our nation’s aging air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure and growing its workforce, supporting the hiring of 2,500 controllers. These investments are fundamental to ensuring safety, efficiency, and system resilience.
“Full funding for EAS reflects a strong, ongoing commitment to the communities that rely on regional air service, and we are pleased that with the passage of the Senate THUD bill that both the House and Senate Appropriations Committee have recognized the vital nature of this program to small, rural communities,” said Faye Malarkey Black, RAA President & CEO. “We also commend the Committee’s continued support for air traffic control modernization and growing our controller workforce, which is essential for a safer, more efficient national air transportation system.”
RAA urges the full Senate to swiftly vote on the passage of this bill.
