The basic problem, which reformers have been trying to remedy since the Clinton administration, is that the system is operated by a cumbersome federal bureaucracy—the same bureaucracy that’s also responsible for overseeing air safety. The FAA is supposed to be a watchdog, but we’ve put it in charge of watching itself.

The president said he would work with Congress to improve aging technology used by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Donald Trump said he would speak to congressional leaders about passing a “single bill” to overhaul the nation’s air traffic control system.