A recent report highlights a significant staffing crisis in U.S. air traffic control facilities, with over 90% of the 313 facilities reported as understaffed. Notably, the Austin airport is missing half of its required controllers, prompting Texas Rep. Doggett to renew calls for immediate action. This shortage has been a longstanding issue, affecting major hubs such as New York and Washington D.C. Bipartisan lawmakers are emphasizing that recent tragedies underscore the urgent need for more air traffic controllers. Educational programs, including those at Utah State University and initiatives like the Bartow air traffic controller academy, aim to address this critical gap in staffing, which has been an ongoing struggle in the aviation sector since at least 2010.