“Unfortunately, the administration’s call for increased staffing at Reagan National, when there are no flights during the early morning hours, is a typical bureaucratic response. Increasing staff when there are no flights also violates FAA’s own management plan of staffing to air traffic,” Mica said.
Mica questioned where the money for the increased air traffic control was going to come from.
“In difficult financial times for the nation, it is critical that we utilize our limited resources in the most responsible fashion without compromising safety,” he said.
Mica said Aviation subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-Wis.) would investigate the Reagan National incident.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are also investigating the incident.