WASHINGTON, Dec 16 — The head of the Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday the agency is committing $6 billion by the end of the year on new air traffic control telecom infrastructure and radar surveillance systems that will be deployed by the end of 2028.

Congress in June approved $12.5 billion to reform the aging U.S. air traffic control system and the administration wants another $19 billion or more to complete the effort. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford at a U.S. House aviation subcommittee hearing also defended the agency’s decision to require flight cuts during a prolonged government shutdown and said he would ensure the safety of air traffic in Washington despite legislation that could allow more military helicopter flights.

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(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington)