Press Releases

Washington, DC – January 25, 2023….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced his cosponsored NOTAM Improvement Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan bill will advance essential upgrades for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) computer system known as the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), which recently crashed and halted all U.S. flights for a period.

Congressman Womack said, “A systemwide crash is not merely a ‘glitch.’ It should only be described as unacceptable. The NOTAM failure stressed an urgent need to overhaul a technology imperative to America’s critical transportation infrastructure. Taking immediate steps to correct and prevent future problems is necessary. People and businesses rely on these systems, and keeping passengers and goods moving safely in our skies is a requirement.”

The legislation establishes a time-critical task force to determine what improvements should be made to the NOTAM system, a vital tool pilots use to determine potential hazards along a route or at a location that could affect the safety of the flight. This includes updates to ensure the stability, resiliency, and cybersecurity of the NOTAM computer system. All recommended reforms to optimize capabilities are required to be reported within 1 year.

This is Womack’s latest step to address and improve aviation safety and flight infrastructure. He previously demanded answers from Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on system disruptions. He has also continually secured local and national investments to upgrade facilities to ensure the safety of travelers and pilots from take-off to landing.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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