Nassau Standard

Washington, DC – Congressmen Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) have expressed strong disapproval following the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) response to their May 7, 2024, letter. The lawmakers had demanded the rescission of a plan to reassign air traffic controllers from the New York Terminal Air Route Control (TRACON) facility to Philadelphia TRACON.

In their initial letter, co-signed by Sen. Charles Schumer (NY), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01), Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), and Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08), the legislators argued that “the FAA has clearly failed to consider the many personal aspects of such a decision, including its effects on controller’s families, relatives, homeownership, and community ties.” They urged the FAA to “immediately rescind its reassignment plan and protect families from forced relocation.”

The FAA's response was criticized for being lengthy and evasive while failing to address the lawmakers' concerns substantively. According to D’Esposito and Suozzi, the FAA is proceeding with its plan despite objections from seven lawmakers.

“I am extremely disappointed with the FAA’s mistreatment of N90 employees," said D’Esposito. "I continue to demand that FAA leaders scrap their unjust forced transfer plans for workers stationed at N90." He added that he would use his position on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to fight for N90 employees.

Suozzi echoed these sentiments: “The FAA’s refusal to reconsider their relocation plan is an abuse of power and simply a disgrace. The impact that these relocations will have on hardworking families cannot be understated."

Joe Segretto, President of NY TRACON, also voiced his concerns: “There are 18 families of air traffic controllers on Long Island whose lives are hanging in the balance." He noted that in its response, the FAA did not mention promises made to NATCA or members of Congress about not forcing relocations.

Senator Gillibrand stated: “Displacing dedicated air traffic controllers and their families from their beloved community is completely antithetical to [the FAA's] mission.” Senator Schumer added: “The FAA’s response is wholly unsatisfactory... I will continue fighting for these controllers and their families.”

Congressman Nick LaLota criticized the FAA for disregarding substantial disruptions caused by its actions: "This response is a blatant disregard for families and operations."

Congressman Andrew Garbarino described Long Island’s N90 employees as real people who deserve consideration from the FAA: "I urge the FAA to change course."

Congressman Josh Gottheimer called for reversing course on forced reassignments affecting Newark Airport staff due to understaffing issues there.

Congresswoman Grace Meng highlighted how these reassignments would negatively impact local families: "I stand with my colleagues in calling for this misguided plan to be scrapped."

Finally, Congressman Bill Pascrell emphasized that this decision would adversely affect air traffic controllers across New Jersey: "These shortsighted relocation orders should be rescinded immediately."