The Federal Aviation Administration's chief said in Atlanta Thursday that he's worried that Congress will pass a funding bill "well below" what President Barack Obama proposed for his agency.

"Funding at these levels would degrade the safe and efficient movement of air traffic today and in the future," FAA administrator Randy Babbitt said.

Babbitt's remarks to the Atlanta Aero Club came as the agency awaits funding from Congress. The House and Senate have passed FAA reauthorization bills. But political wrangling has slowed progress on a final version.

House bill supporters say that chamber's version saves $4 billion and requires the FAA to find savings without negatively impacting aviation safety.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A man makes a phone call in front of a train during Tracks of Hope, an event hosted by Norfolk Southern in support of Hope Atlanta, in Forest Park, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Norfolk Southern opened its executive vintage business train, typically reserved for company leadership and dignitaries, to the public in support of Hope Atlanta. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Featured

Rose Scott signals as "Closer Look" goes on the air in the WABE studio. An Atlanta resident left WABE a $3 million donation, a boost after WABE lost $1.9 million in annual funding from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting. (Ben Gray for the AJC 2023)

Credit: Ben Gray