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With the summer travel season fast approaching, another scary incident in the skies raises questions about the safety of America's air travel system
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Ground-to-air radio communication failed for about 90 seconds at Denver International Airport Monday afternoon
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That's according to the Federal Aviation Administration. About 20 planes were approaching the airport, but air traffic controllers couldn't talk with pilots who were on their own to prevent mid-air collisions
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The controllers were able to watch on radar screens, but a retired controller told KMGH-TV in Denver it was like watching a car crash happen and not be able to do anything about it
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Recent incidents, beginning with a deadly crash between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter in Washington, have drawn attention to a system plagued by short staffing and outdated equipment
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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is asking Congress for $18 billion in new funding
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Duffy wants to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers, replace hundreds of aging radar units
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and update communication systems and computers, some of which still run on floppy disks
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Republicans and Democrats in Congress agreed to work on securing the funding
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