The plan also would allow authorities to protect 149 control towers at small and medium-sized airports that are slated for closure for budgetary reasons . NEW : White House calls solution to the debt crisis "ridiculous" Controller staffing shortages began this week , impacting airline flights . Bipartisan Senate plan would give transportation planners new budget flexibility .
NEW : White House calls solution to the debt crisis "ridiculous" Controller staffing shortages began this week , impacting airline flights . Bipartisan Senate plan would give transportation planners new budget flexibility .