# Senate Advances Air Traffic Technology Upgrades

The Senate Commerce Committee has advanced the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act in 2026, directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to modernize situational awareness technology at Federal Contract Towers (FCTs), with a focus on smaller and rural airports. This legislation mandates FAA support and funding for deploying tools such as the Airborne Position Reference Tool (APRT) to improve air traffic controller capabilities and aviation safety nationwide.

- The act targets technology upgrades within the Federal Contract Tower program, enhancing operational efficiency and safety at regional airports, including those in Montana and Oregon.
- Procurement professionals should anticipate FAA solicitations for situational awareness technology systems and related services aligned with this legislative directive.
- Vendors specializing in aviation safety technology and air traffic control systems may find emerging opportunities to support FCT modernization efforts.
- Organizations involved in rural and regional airport infrastructure should evaluate how these upgrades impact contract requirements and potential partnerships with the FAA.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

### Key Quotes
> America has long set the gold standard in aviation, but a lack of resources and outdated technology puts public safety at risk. It’s crucial that we ensure our Air Traffic Controllers in airports across the country, including regional and rural airports, have the training and tools they need to enhance their situational awareness and keep our airspace safe.
> — Tim Sheehy, U.S. Senator

> Oregon’s small and regional airports are an important partner in keeping the flying public safe. Our simple bipartisan bill—which just cleared a key hurdle—will unlock resources for these airports to make critical safety upgrades if they need them, something we should all get behind.
> — Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator

### Sources
- [Sheehy, Merkley’s Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act Advances through Senate Commerce Committee - Merkley](https://www.merkley.senate.gov/sheehy-merkleys-air-traffic-situational-awareness-enhancement-act-advances-through-senate-commerce-committee/) - Merkley Senate
- [Sheehy’s Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act Advances through Senate Commerce Committee](https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sheehys-air-traffic-situational-awareness-enhancement-act-advances-through-senate-commerce-committee/) - Sheehy Senate