Tammy Duckworth: “It is unacceptable that these stronger safeguards were not pursued until after a serious illness brought renewed…”

Squeezing more ‘utilization’ out of air traffic controllers who have been understaffed, underpaid and overworked for years will weaken retention and undermine aviation safety.

Controllers work long, high-stress hours and make split-second decisions that keep millions of passengers safe every day.

In the months ahead, we must ensure these workers receive the support and resources they need to reenter the workforce and recover.

Your own plan says as much: 'Chronic use of overtime leads to fatigue, controller burnout and ultimately loss of retention.