Democratic News

Press Releases 03/9/2023
NEW: Frontier Airlines Endorses Phil Washington for FAA Administrator “Wholeheartedly”
Adding to the chorus of support for Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle wrote to the Senate Commerce Committee to “wholeheartedly” recommend Mr. Washington’s confirmation. Along with its headquarters in Denver, Frontier operates major hubs from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and Orlando International Airport. Additionally, the airline serves travelers from bases in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tampa.
Press Releases 03/8/2023
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.
Press Releases 03/8/2023
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.
Press Releases 03/7/2023
Sen. Cantwell Statement on Gigi Sohn’s Decision to Withdraw Her Nomination to the FCC Commission
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, made the following statement regarding Gigi Sohn’s decision to withdraw her nomination to serve as an FCC Commissioner:
Press Releases 03/7/2023
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.
Press Releases 03/7/2023
Powerful Airport Workers Union Says Phil Washington’s Bold Leadership Needed at FAA
On behalf of 36,000 airport service employees across the country, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced its strong endorsement of Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator.
Press Releases 03/1/2023
Cantwell, Democrats: Phil Washington is a Proven Leader With a Mission for Safety
Today, during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation nomination hearing for Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to be the next Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee, and other Committee Democratic members focused on the nominee’s qualifications and extensive history leading complex transportation systems, ensuring that safety is a top priority for the nation’s aviation safety Administrator.
Press Releases 03/1/2023
Democrats: Phil Washington is Ready to Lead Our Nation’s Aviation Safety Agency
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today delivered the following opening statement during the nomination hearing for Phil Washington, President Biden’s choice to serve as the next administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration. Introductory remarks from Colorado Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) are also below.
Press Releases 02/28/2023
Cantwell: “The Starting Gun Has Sounded” in Race to Restore U.S. as Global Leader in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Today, the federal CHIPS Program Office opened up its first funding opportunity for domestic semiconductor manufacturing, kicking off the nationwide race for $39 billion in manufacturing incentives and $11 billion in research and workforce development investments from the Department of Commerce. The funds were allocated in the CHIPS & Science Act, which U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) played a key role in getting over the finish line last year.
Press Releases 02/17/2023
Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs, a “Life or Death Matter,” Says Cantwell
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, held a hearing on the importance of shedding light on the role Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) play in the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs.