National Air Traffic Controllers Association

Hundreds of NATCA member advocates took personal time this week to bring our Union’s message directly to Congress. They met with legislators to ask Congress to protect the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and secure full funding for the hiring and training provisions that were passed in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Their dedication is what makes NATCA strong. But advocacy doesn’t end here. Every member has a role in protecting our members and securing the future of our profession. Get involved and stay engaged—visit https://lnkd.in/g-Yu-PU to learn how you can take action. To those on the Hill this week—your voices matter. Thank you. #NATCAinWashington

At NATCA in Washington 2025, Deputy Chief of the Hatch Act Division at the Office of Special Counsel Erica Hamrick led an informative session on what federal employees can—and cannot—do when it comes to political activity. Special Counsel to the NATCA President Eugene Freedman moderated a Q&A session, ensuring members had the opportunity to ask key questions. The Hatch Act sets clear boundaries for political engagement, but federal employees still have many rights. Members learned that they can attend political rallies, express opinions, and engage on social media—just not in the workplace or while on duty. This session helped NATCA members understand how to stay engaged in civic life while remaining compliant. Knowing the rules ensures we can advocate effectively while protecting our careers. #NATCAinWashington

NATCA was honored to welcome Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) to speak at NATCA in Washington 2025. A long-time champion for labor and a steadfast advocate for air traffic controllers, Klobuchar has been instrumental in advancing policies that strengthen the aviation workforce and ensure the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. As the original co-sponsor of the Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Act of 2023, Klobuchar has led efforts to address staffing shortages and improve training resources. Her leadership on the Senate Commerce Committee and Senate Democratic Steering and Policy Committee continues to drive meaningful progress for aviation professionals. NATCA is grateful for her ongoing support and partnership in advocating for the future of our profession. www.natca.org/niw

NATCA Executive Vice President Mick Devine opened Day Two of NATCA in Washington 2025 with a call for unity. Devine reminded attendees that although our individual voices may be insignificant on their own, we can have a large impact by standing together as one collective voice on Capitol Hill and beyond. Read more about Vice President Devine’s speech on our website: https://lnkd.in/enkBSsYM #NATCAinWashington

NATCA was honored to welcome House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (Mo.-6) to NATCA in Washington 2025. A dedicated advocate for infrastructure and aviation, Graves has played a critical role in advancing policies that enhance air travel safety, efficiency, and modernization. As a pilot and longtime supporter of NATCA, Graves understands the challenges facing the National Airspace System. In 2024, he led the successful passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act, securing bipartisan support for legislation that strengthens the aviation workforce and improves infrastructure. His leadership continues to ensure that air traffic controllers have the resources they need to maintain the safest, most efficient airspace in the world. NATCA looks forward to continuing our work with Chairman Graves to advance our professions. www.natca.org/niw

As NATCA members engage with Congress this week, they are building the relationships that will strengthen the National Airspace System (NAS) and secure the future of our profession. We want to capture these moments of advocacy in action! Share your photos from congressional meetings and NiW events by emailing them to publicaffairs@natca.org and posting them on social media using #NATCAinWashington. Don’t forget to tag NATCA: @NATCA on Facebook and X and @NATCAnational on Instagram. When you send your photos, please include your name, facility, and the names of those pictured so we can feature them across NATCA’s communication platforms. Your voice, your action, and your engagement make a difference. Let’s show the power of our Union in action! And to our members not at the event, check out the photo album to see the power of our advocacy in action. https://lnkd.in/eB_3ux-Z For more details about the 2025 NiW event, visit the NiW webpage: www.natca.org/niw

NATCA was pleased to welcome U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (Minn.-8) to NATCA in Washington 2025, reinforcing the bipartisan commitment to strengthening the National Airspace System (NAS). Stauber has been a strong advocate for long-term FAA reauthorization and understands the urgent need to address the controller staffing crisis to ensure the safety and efficiency of the NAS. As a supporter of aviation growth and modernization, Stauber has backed efforts to improve air traffic control infrastructure and integrate new technology. NATCA appreciates his leadership and looks forward to continued collaboration on solutions that benefit the aviation workforce and the flying public.

NATCA was honored to welcome U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (Wash.-2) to #NATCAinWashington 2025. As the ranking member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Larsen has been a steadfast advocate for strengthening the aviation system, securing bipartisan support for key legislation, including the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Larsen’s leadership has driven investments in modernization, safety, and infrastructure, ensuring the aviation workforce has the resources needed to meet growing demands. Representing the Pacific Northwest — home to a thriving aerospace industry — he understands the importance of a strong, well-staffed National Airspace System. NATCA appreciates his continued partnership and dedication to the aviation professionals who keep our skies safe.

NATCA was honored to welcome Rep. Don Bacon (Neb.-2) to speak to our activists at NATCA in Washington 2025. A veteran, moderate, and strong advocate for modernizing aviation technology, Bacon has been a consistent supporter of NATCA’s legislative priorities and a champion for bipartisan solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. Bacon’s commitment to aviation safety and labor-friendly policies has made him a valuable ally in Congress. He recognizes the importance of investing in technology, infrastructure, and the workforce that keeps our skies safe. NATCA looks forward to continuing our strong relationship with Rep. Bacon as we work together to strengthen the aviation industry. #NATCAinWashington

NATCA is proud to recognize Jimmy Lake and Rosa Serai, both retired members from Honolulu Control Facility (HCF), as the recipients of this year’s Trish Gilbert Legislative Activism Award. This prestigious award honors members who have shown an unwavering commitment to legislative activism, following in the footsteps of Trish Gilbert, one of NATCA’s most effective and inspiring advocates. Since 2009, this award has celebrated those who go above and beyond to strengthen NATCA’s voice on Capitol Hill. Jimmy and Rosa have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to our Union’s advocacy efforts, ensuring that NATCA’s priorities remain front and center with lawmakers. Thank you, Jimmy and Rosa, for your passion, leadership, and commitment to fighting for the future of our profession. #NATCAinWashington