Overview
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the program at Reagan National, punctuated by a widely shared pull-up demonstration.
- The funding comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Airport Terminal Program, with airport proposals due by January 15, 2026 under intentionally broad guidelines.
- Suggested projects include nursing rooms or pods, family screening lanes, children’s play areas, workout spaces, healthier concessions, and sensory rooms for travelers with special needs.
- Officials highlighted expanding access to fresh food, citing vendors like Farmer’s Fridge, and Duffy said he has urged airline CEOs to consider healthier onboard options.
- The rollout drew online ridicule and political pushback, with opponents arguing the initiative sidesteps operational problems such as chronic delays and an FAA air traffic controller shortfall of roughly 3,000.