U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that a next generation air traffic control system is a top administration priority and that Congress must authorize funding for it. LaHood spoke at an aviation summit hosted by the National Chamber Foundation, the Chamber's public policy think tank, on April 29, 2009.

U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue also voiced support for a modern satellite-based system to in-crease capacity and efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve safety. "This industry is not looking for a bailout," he said. "It's looking for a shared commitment from the federal government to build an advanced aviation system."