President Joe Biden’s top pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has withdrawn his nomination following concerns over his qualifications and experience.
Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg broke the story on Saturday that Phil Washington, the CEO of Denver International Airport, has decided to bow out of the running.
“The FAA needs a confirmed Administrator, and Phil Washington’s transportation & military experience made him an excellent nominee,” Buttigieg tweeted. “The partisan attacks and procedural obstruction he has faced are undeserved, but I respect his decision to withdraw and am grateful for his service.”
The FAA has been without a confirmed administrator for roughly the past 12 months. It is expected that Washington’s departure will mean an additional few months of delays in the selection of a new candidate that must pass through the Senate confirmation process.
Meanwhile, the current state of the country’s aviation system has been showing signs of tension due to an increase in the number of near-collisions taking place on runways.
Washington has been the subject of consistent criticism, primarily from Republicans, as his only aviation experience is his nearly two-year stint as Chief Executive Officer of Denver International Airport. Before that, he had a background in leading transit agencies following a career in the Army.
Biden Nominee for FAA Chief Goes 0-for-7 on Aviation Policy Quiz by @SenTedBuddNC
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) March 3, 2023
Yikes.
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In a statement, GOP Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said “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,” Cruz added.
Democratic Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, on the other hand, has expressed support for Washington’s nomination, saying that he “has the qualifications and experience to lead the FAA.”
“The FAA requires strong and independent leadership from someone who will focus on safety,” Cantwell said in a statement. “Republicans chose to drum up falsehoods rather than give the flying public and the aviation industry the leadership needed now.”
In the meantime, acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen will continue to lead the agency until the Senate confirms a permanent leader.
