Josh Gottheimer, a U.S. Congressman representing New Jersey’s 5th district since 2017, has taken to social media to address pressing issues in air traffic control and airport operations. Gottheimer, who was born in Livingston, New Jersey in 1975 and currently resides in Wyckoff, expressed concerns over outdated technology and staffing shortages affecting flight operations.
On May 9, 2025, Gottheimer called on the Trump Administration and Secretary Duffy to present their air traffic control overhaul plan to Congress by June 1. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues by stating “First, I am calling on the Trump Administration and @SecDuffy to send their air traffic control overhaul plan to Congress for us to vote on by June 1. It’s clear that we can’t afford to delay fixing our towers any longer. No more copper wires. No more outdated technology.”
In another post on the same day, Gottheimer highlighted the disruptions at Newark Airport due to communication blackouts and FAA staffing shortages. He stated that since Monday, over 1,700 flights had been delayed or canceled. Gottheimer remarked “Since Monday, 1,700+ flights have been delayed or cancelled at Newark Airport due to communications blackouts and FAA staffing shortages. This is unacceptable and I’m calling for immediate action — no more excuses, no more delays.”
Further emphasizing the non-partisan nature of this issue, Gottheimer urged for collaborative efforts to resolve these systemic problems. He asserted “We cannot wait another day to fix the tech issues at Newark or the staffing crisis hitting air traffic control nationwide. This isn’t a partisan issue — it’s a matter of public safety. It’s about fixing a system that we need to work together to fix.”
Gottheimer holds degrees from both the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University.
