Dems in Congress WARNED the FAA This Would Happen
A Daily Kos post by Dan K argues Democrats in Congress warned the FAA a month before the November 13, 2026 ground stop that its new AI air traffic tool SMART was being rushed out without adequate testing, training, or oversight, after DOGE layoffs cut experienced technical staff. Lawmakers led by Van Hollen and Ocasio-Cortez urged a pause and asked the GAO for an audit, while Sean Duffy blamed old equipment and sought $50 billion, and Markwayne Mullin, in a quoted remark, said new equipment and technology were overwhelming the older system.
