Cantwell Statement on Independent Expert Panel Report Critical of Boeing Safety Culture
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today commented on a report by an independent panel of aviation experts regarding Boeing’s safety culture that was released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act, which Sen. Cantwell spearheaded, required the FAA to convene an expert panel to review aviation manufacturer Organization Designation Authorizations (ODAs), with a focus on the Boeing ODA, and make recommendations to improve safety management processes.
Senate Commerce Committee Passes 5-Year Bipartisan Senate FAA Reauthorization Focused on Improving Safety, Advancing Technology
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed the bipartisan Senate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2023. The legislation includes several provisions to strengthen safety standards and oversight at the FAA and responds to safety concerns from recent aviation accidents and near-misses.
Cantwell Statement on NTSB Preliminary Report Regarding Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Accident
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the statement below regarding the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary report on the Alaska Airlines flight 1282 plug door accident. The Senator and other Committee leaders were briefed this morning at NTSB headquarters by Chair Homendy ahead of the report’s release:
Cantwell Statement Following Meeting With Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released this statement following her meeting today with Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun:
After Cantwell Calls for Audit, FAA Announces Increased Oversight of Boeing Production and Manufacturing
Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will initiate an audit of the Boeing 737-9 MAX production line and its suppliers to evaluate Boeing’s compliance with its approved quality procedures. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following statement welcoming the decision by FAA:
Cantwell Gives FAA 2 Weeks to Provide Answers on its Boeing Production Line Oversight
Following the recent Alaska Airlines flight 1282 incident, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today wrote to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker requesting documents and information related to FAA’s safety oversight of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems to ensure manufacturers cannot avoid audit accountability and are complying with FAA quality control regulations.
Cantwell Statement on FAA’s Investigation into Boeing 737 MAX 9
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following statement on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) announcement it is launching an investigation into the Boeing 737 MAX 9, following the recent Alaska Airlines flight 1282 incident:
In Two Years of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, WA Has Received $5.3 Billion for Nearly 1,200 Transportation Projects
November 15 marks two years since President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), a once-in-a-generation investment to modernize America’s infrastructure. Since then, the law has delivered approximately $7.9 billion to Washington state, including $5.3 billion for 1,192 road, bridge, transit and climate resilience projects. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, authored many provisions in the law to meet the growing infrastructure demands in Washington state. Additionally, much of the funding has gone out under grant programs authorized by the Commerce Committee.
Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, NTSB Tell Committee: Senate FAA Reauthorization Bill Key to Boosting Aviation Safety in Wake of Alarming Close Calls and Near Misses
At a hearing today in the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation, witnesses representing U.S. airline pilots, air traffic controllers, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) told senators that the most important action needed to address “near miss” incidents and boost safety is to pass the Senate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill to make key investments in the air traffic controller workforce, runway safety technology and critical infrastructure improvements.
Senate Unanimously Confirms Michael Whitaker to Lead FAA
Tonight, the U.S. Senate voted 98-0 to confirm Michael Whitaker, President Biden’s nominee to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which oversees the FAA, applauded the Senate’s unanimous vote.