Deddrick T. Wilmer, Republican candidate for Congress in Texas’ 9th District, issued a strong call to action today in response to ongoing instability in America’s air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

Wilmer is calling on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy—who has been active in national infrastructure and transportation policy—to advise United Airlines and other major international carriers to temporarily reroute global flights to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

“Houston is ready. IAH has the runway capacity, global connectivity, and operational strength to serve as a temporary international hub while key systems are stabilized,” Wilmer stated.

In addition, Wilmer is urging the President of the United States to authorize the temporary deployment of military ATC personnel to reinforce civilian operations and avoid potential gridlock or safety hazards.

“This is not a partisan issue—it’s a national security and economic stability issue,” Wilmer said. “We have highly trained military professionals who can step in and support overwhelmed ATC units across the country.”

Wilmer also called for a long-overdue modernization of the nation's ATC infrastructure, noting that U.S. systems are outdated and unprepared for the scale and speed of modern aviation demands.

“We cannot continue managing a 21st-century global aviation system with 20th-century technology. Congress must act decisively to modernize ATC nationwide.”

Houston’s IAH is among the most capable international airports in the country and is strategically located to support rerouted transatlantic and transpacific flights. Wilmer says swift coordination between the federal government, airlines, and local infrastructure will ensure both safety and continuity of international travel.