NiW 2026: Congressional Staff Panel Highlights NATCA Members as Critical Subject Matter Experts

Special Counsel to the President Eugene Freedman moderated a panel featuring top aviation staff from both the House and Senate. The bipartisan discussion included Jo Eckert, Democratic Clerk of the Senate Transportation-Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Mike Clarke, Republican Clerk of the Senate Transportation-Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Lauren Dudley, Minority Aviation Subcommittee Staff Director for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Andrew Miller, Policy Director for Aviation and Space on the Senate Commerce Committee.

The panel provided an inside look at how NATCA’s expertise influences the legislative process. Staffers emphasized that because they handle a vast array of policy issues, they rely on NATCA members to serve as the subject matter experts for the National Airspace System. This ground-level operational knowledge is essential for congressional offices as they draft laws and make funding decisions that affect aviation safety and the air traffic control profession.

The panelists also discussed the high regard for NATCA on the Hill, noting that the Union’s reputation for providing honest, data-driven technical expertise makes its arguments highly persuasive. By maintaining these professional relationships with staff, NATCA activists ensure their voices remain at the center of aviation policy.