Cantwell Keeps Commitment to Safety with 737 MAX Oversight Hearing to Ensure Safety Reforms are Being Met

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, questioned FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen today on the status and implementation of aviation safety reforms required in the Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act (ACSAA), which Congress passed following the tragic 737 MAX crashes. Sen. Cantwell emphasized the need for transparency to ensure the FAA is meeting key deadlines, including workforce reviews to build a technical workforce.

Cantwell Opening Remarks at MAX Aviation Safety Oversight Hearing

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered the following opening remarks during today’s hearing with Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen on the status and implementation of aviation safety reforms outlined in in the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA) which Congress passed following the tragic MAX-8 crashes. Sen. Cantwell authored the aviation safety legislation and it was signed into law on December 27, 2020.

Past FAA Administrators Endorse Phil Washington, Biden’s Nominee for FAA Administrator

Former FAA Administrators today rebuked Republicans’ distortion of the aviation qualifications needed to effectively lead the agency, and publicly endorsed Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next Administrator, citing his invaluable safety experience, record of successfully managing large, complex organizations and his decades of public service.

Sen. Cruz Issues Statement On Gigi Sohn Withdrawing Her Nomination

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement after Gigi Sohn withdrew her nomination to sit on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):   “The withdrawal of Ms. Sohn’s nomination is a major victory and represents a strong bipartisan agreement that we need a fair and impartial candidate who […]

Republicans Get Lesson On What It Takes To Run An Airport

During his nomination hearing last week to serve as FAA Administrator, Republicans questioned Phil Washington’s experience as CEO of Denver International Airport – the 3rd largest airport in the country – asserting the job doesn’t have anything to do with safety or aviation. In a letter to the Committee, the President of Airports Council International – North America, which represents more than 300 airports in the U.S. and Canada and more than 400 aviation-related businesses, refuted Republicans, outlining the extensive responsibilities that come with running an airport, such as meeting a complex set of FAA safety requirements in order to obtain and keep an airport operating certificate, ensuring safety of passengers, aircraft operations and facilities, and overseeing billions of dollars in safety investment projects.

Senate Commerce Republicans Blast Biden Admin for Imposing Costly Climate Agenda on NASA’s Space Exploration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Republican Members led by Ranking Member Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today called on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to rescind its costly, radical proposed rule to require government contractors to provide extensive information about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the letter, Commerce Republicans wrote: “We are […]

Sen. Cruz, Rep. Graves: Congress Will Not Pass Legislative Waiver Required for FAA Nominee to be Confirmed and Serve

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) today sent a letter to President Biden urging him to immediately withdraw his nominee for administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, Phil Washington, because he fails to meet the legal requirements to be […]