Illinois Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin have criticized FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford for delaying a pay raise for air traffic controllers, which was approved by Congress in April as part of a broader funding law signed by former President Donald Trump. The legislation, known as the Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, allocated $140 million for a 3.8% pay increase for air traffic controllers. However, so far, controllers have only received a 1% raise, the same increase given to all federal employees. In a letter obtained by CBS News, the senators urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to immediately implement the remaining 2.8% raise, calling the delay "petty, disrespectful, and counterproductive." They argue that withholding the raise adds pressure to an already overworked workforce and risks aviation safety. Under Bedford’s leadership, the FAA recently submitted a 2026 Controller Workforce Plan aimed at improving scheduling efficiency. This plan proposes increasing the average hours of productive time per eight-hour shift from four to five. Bedford has tied the pay raise to these scheduling changes, suggesting that improved productivity could justify the increase. However, the senators disagree, stating that this approach could weaken retention and compromise safety. Air traffic controllers, they argue, are already managing a strained system with outdated technology, while also adapting to modernization efforts in real time. Some air traffic controllers have reported that the delayed pay raise is affecting morale and has become a source of frustration. The original legislation included specific conditions for the raise, requiring "improvements in workforce scheduling, staffing utilization, or other operational efficiencies" as determined by the FAA administrator. The senators argue that these conditions are not a high bar and that the FAA’s inability to reach an agreement with controllers suggests the requested improvements may not be in their best interest. The FAA has stated that the pay increase is conditional on the administrator determining that improvements in scheduling or staffing have been made to address workforce shortfalls and improve aviation safety. The agency has expressed willingness to engage with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the union representing controllers, to review past scheduling practices and identify opportunities for more productive schedules that could enhance safety and quality of life for controllers. NATCA continues to push for the pay raise passed by Congress through ongoing discussions with the FAA. In an effort to address staffing shortages, the FAA has focused on increasing air traffic control hiring. As of 2025, more than 90% of air traffic control towers were understaffed. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the FAA hired a record number of controllers this year, including targeting video gamers as potential candidates. The agency hired over 2,000 controllers in the current year, with more than 12,000 applicants in less than 24 hours when the agency targeted gamers, of whom 8,000 were qualified. Despite these efforts, the senators have called on the FAA to "expeditiously approve the pay increase" for air traffic controllers.