US lawmakers request FAA pause AI traffic tool in Washington area
Written by AI from 3 reports listed below. Not checked by a person before publication. How we use AI
More than two dozen members of Congress have asked the FAA to halt the rollout of the SMART artificial‑intelligence system in Washington‑area airspace until safety evaluations, testing reports and training information are provided.
Letter to FAA
Representative April McClain Delaney led a congressional letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, signed by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, Don Beyer, Kweisi Mfume, Suhas Subramanyam and Sarah Elfreth, urging a pause on the SMART AI tool.
The letter requests safety‑evaluation and testing reports and training information for aviation‑safety personnel before the system’s rollout, and seeks a response by October 19.
SMART system details
The SMART system integrates about 200 data streams, including weather, flight paths, traffic demand and controller staffing, to provide decision‑making support to air‑traffic controllers.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the tool would not replace air‑traffic controllers but would support their decisions.
Rollout and industry response
The FAA began limited SMART operations on September 21, 2026 at Reagan National (DCA), Washington Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) airports.
Executives from United, Delta, American and Southwest welcomed the SMART rollout on its September 21 start date.
Contract and funding
The FAA awarded a 12‑year contract worth $875 million to Air Space Intelligence for the SMART system.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the tool as “dumb AI” and emphasized that controllers remain in charge.
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