Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg allocated over $80 billion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives instead of focusing on the urgent need to upgrade outdated air traffic control systems, according to his successor, Sean Duffy. Duffy’s comments come as part of a broader critique aimed at the previous administration’s spending priorities.
Duffy highlighted that the funds granted for DEI initiatives over four years amounted to nearly half of the Transportation Department’s annual budget. He emphasized that during Buttigieg’s tenure, the critical infrastructure of air traffic control did not receive the attention it desperately needed. Buttigieg was known for attributing flight delays to airlines, while Duffy indicated that the lack of investment in modernizing air traffic systems left the overall network in disrepair.
Notably, most canceled flights during Buttigieg’s term were due to weather events, with just 10% attributed to deficiencies within the air traffic facilities themselves. This raises questions about the management of funds and priorities in the Transportation Department during that time.
Duffy referenced an ambitious multibillion-dollar proposal from the Trump administration aimed at modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system, which has been criticized for relying on technology from the 1970s. The proposal includes plans for six new air traffic control centers and substantial upgrades across the nation’s facilities, including the integration of modern technology such as fiber, wireless, and satellite systems.
The renewed focus on upgrading air traffic control systems could significantly improve safety and efficiency in U.S. air travel, highlighting the importance of investing in critical infrastructure. As Duffy noted, transitioning to upgraded technology is akin to upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone, showcasing the need to modernize systems for the safety and convenience of travelers.
This situation highlights a potential shift in priorities that could pave the way for a more robust and secure air travel infrastructure moving forward.