Biden FAA Nominee Withdraws After Criticism Over Lack Of Aviation Safety Experience

Following vehement Republican criticism that he lacked experience in aviation safety, President Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) has reportedly withdrew his name from consideration.

Biden put forth a nomination for Phil Washington, the CEO of Denver International Airport and formerly of the Los Angeles Metro Transit Authority, next July. His election was withdrawn from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Saturday evening, according to Reuters. Washington withdrew his term, according to a declaration from the White House.

“Unfortunately, an onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks on Mr. Washington’s service and experience irresponsibly delayed this process, threatened unnecessary procedural hurdles on the Senate floor, and ultimately have led him to withdraw his nomination today,” Abdullah Hassan, a White House spokesman, told The New York Times on Saturday. 

Earlier Wednesday, the council was supposed to vote, but it was postponed. Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, an active, was reportedly holding up the ballot, according to sources. Democrat Senator Jon Tester of Montana and Sinema both declined to make their voting intentions known in public.

Republicans have vehemently disagreed with Washington’s election, pointing out that the nation lacks an aviation background, especially at a time when there have been several aviation near-misses and headaches. Although he was named CEO of Denver International Airport in 2021, Fox Business claims that is his only aviation-related have. Republicans also cited a fraud investigation he is allegedly involved in in Los Angeles, which Washington denied any wrongdoing in addition to this criticism.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated on Twitter that” The FAA needs a confirmed Administrator, and Phil Washington’s mobility and war have made him an exceptional nominee.” He continued,” I respect his decision to remove and am appreciative of his service, despite the unjustified political attacks and legal obstruction he has faced.”

During committee hearings in early March, Republicans didn’t hold back in pointing out Washington’s employment history. North Carolina Republican Senator Ted Budd said, “The FAA can’t afford to be led by someone who needs on-the-job training.” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) argued Washington’s “record is woefully lacking,” adding, “in fact, you have zero aviation safety experience.”

“Since Mr. Washington was nominated last July, it’s been clear to Democrat and Republican senators, numerous aviation groups, and any impartial observer that Mr. Washington lacked the aviation experience necessary to run the FAA,” Sen. Cruz said in a statement Saturday. “Given the significant challenges facing the FAA, this wasn’t the time for an administrator who needed on-the-job training. The Biden administration must now quickly name someone to head the FAA who has an extensive aviation background, can earn widespread bipartisan support in the Senate, and will keep the flying public safe.”

Pilot Billy Nolen, who is currently the FAA’s acting executive, may already have the backing of at least one Democratic senator. According to the Associated Press, Sen. Cruz thinks that if Nolen is nominated, he may win the support of both parties. Nolen has 33 years of experience in” services and business safety, regulatory politics, and flight activities,” according to the FAA site.