"This is a big deal, and it is something I have been pushing for a long time," said Congressman Van Drew. "For years, I have been working to make sure the FAA modernizes how it operates and fully uses the expertise at the FAA Technical Center right here in South Jersey. We fought to lock in the Tech Center permanently, and we pushed for a stronger focus on airspace modernization and advanced aviation technology. Now the FAA is finally putting that structure in place.

"By placing the Tech Center under the new Airspace Modernization Office, the FAA is making it a key player in developing the future air traffic control system. Creating offices dedicated to advancing air traffic control and testing new aviation technologies is exactly the kind of change we have been calling for. This puts the Tech Center at the heart of where these decisions are made. The FAA is also creating a new Office of Advanced Aviation Technologies, which mirrors legislation I pushed in the last Congress to make sure emerging technologies are handled safely, smartly, and in one coordinated place. This reorganization will not only strengthen aviation safety but also keep good-paying, high-skill jobs right here at home.

"I will keep doing what I have always done: pushing to make sure South Jersey is put first, that the FAA follows through, and that these changes lead to real improvements for safety, innovation, and our economy."