Chair Cantwell Calls for New ‘Passenger Bill of Rights’ in Committee Hearing on Aviation
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, led a hearing focused on protecting airline travelers and called for a new “Passenger Bill of Rights” in the forthcoming reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that would strengthen refund rules, eliminate junk fees, work toward a minimum seat size and make it easier for families to sit together on a flight.
Cantwell at Aviation Consumer Protections Hearing: Congress Must End Unfair and Hidden Airline “Junk Fees”
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following remarks at a hearing on enhancing consumer protections and connectivity in air transportation in the next FAA reauthorization legislation.
Chair Cantwell Grills Norfolk Southern CEO on Rail Industry Priorities: “We Are Not Going To Take Profits Over Safety Investments”
During a hearing today to examine improving rail safety in the wake of the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, questioned Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw about the rail industry’s commitment to safety. The Committee heard from Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and East Palestine resident Misti Allison. Along with Mr. Shaw, members questioned several witnesses including NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, Ohio Western Reserve Joint Fire District Chief David Comstock, Ohio State SMART-TD Legislative Director Clyde Whitaker and Association of American Railroads CEO Ian Jefferies.
Harry Reid International, Las Vegas Backs Phil Washington
Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator, today picked up the endorsement of Harry Reid International Airport Director Rosemary Vassiliadis, who noted that Washington will bring to the position “the leadership and experience it takes to manage the complexities of our aviation system.” Vassiliadis adds to the chorus of support from airport executives who recognize the critical role these leaders play in ensuring the continued safety of passengers, employees, aircraft and facilities every day.
America’s Aviation Community Agrees: FAA Needs Phil Washington’s Leadership
Momentum continues to grow behind President Biden’s nominee, Phil Washington, to serve as the next FAA Administrator. Over the last two weeks, Mr. Washington has received endorsements from across the U.S. aviation community, including pilots, flight attendants, aerospace workers, airport executives, safety specialists, airlines, former FAA administrators and others who agree he is the right person at the right time to lead the FAA.
Clinton Administration Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater Backs Phil Washington “Without Reservation”
In a letter to the Committee, former Clinton Administration Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater endorsed Phil Washington, President Biden’s choice to serve as the next FAA Administrator.
UNITE HERE Endorses Phil Washington on Behalf of Tens of Thousands of Front Line Workers
On behalf of 40,000 workers in airports across the country, Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator, today received the endorsement of UNITE HERE, which represents 300,000 working people in the airport, hotel, gaming, food service, transportation, and laundry industries.
Former Transportation Secretary and Prominent Republican Ray LaHood Calls Phil Washington “Exactly What the FAA Needs at This Critical Time for Aviation”
This week, Ray LaHood, former Secretary of Transportation and Republican congressman, sent a letter to the Committee expressing his strong support for Phil Washington to be the next FAA Administrator and calling for his swift confirmation.
ICYMI: Hickenlooper Pens Denver Post Op-ed in Support of Phil Washington as FAA Administrator
In case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper penned an op-ed in the Denver Post today in support of Phil Washington’s nomination to serve as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Families Who Lost Loved Ones Aboard ET302 Firmly Endorse Phil Washington as The Outsider FAA Needs to “Spur Transformative Safety Change”
Citing decades of coziness between the FAA and the airline industry – and the ongoing need for safety reforms following two tragic Boeing MAX 737 crashes which took the lives of 346 individuals – family members of Ethiopian Air Flight 302 crash victims today firmly endorsed Phil Washington to serve as the next FAA Administrator. The families were instrumental in working with the Committee to craft and enact safety reforms in the Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act (ACSAA).