Biden’s pick to lead the FAA withdraws nomination after losing Senate support

President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration announced Saturday evening that he would withdraw his nomination after it became clear he lacked the votes for Senate confirmation.

Senate Republicans have criticized Denver International Airport CEO Phillip Washington for a number of reasons, including his dubious credentials in air defense and possible legal entanglements, since he was nominated eight weeks later. Pete Buttigieg, the transport secretary, confirmed Washington’s withdrawal in a tweet sent late on Saturday, blaming” political attacks and legal obstruction” for his unsuccessful nomination.

” SIMPLY NOT QUALIFIED FOR THE JOB ,” says REPUBLICANS BLAST BIDEN FAA CHIEF NOMINEE.

The FAA hasn’t had a Senate-confirmed president since March 2022, when then-FAA Administrator Steve Dickson stepped down less than half through his five-year words. A tonexaminer.com/news/white-house” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>White House official told CNN that the management would work to find that different leader.

Washington was nominated by Biden in July, but it wasn’t until earlier this month that a committee reading was held. Washington has just held his current position as chief administrator of the Denver International Airport for less than two decades. Washington previously managed transport companies in Denver, Colorado, and Los Angeles, California. His only air experience is in this position. The longstanding transport professional, a close friend of Biden, oversaw the FAA’s shift team for the Transportation Department under the 46th president.

Regarding his profile and worries about his term appearing in search permits related to a fraud investigation in Los Angeles, Republicans remained united in their opposition to Washington. Washington claimed he was never contacted by law enforcement and denied any wrongdoing.

Sen. Maria Cantwell( D – WA ), who chairs the panels, abruptly called off a ballot on Washington’s election that was scheduled for Wednesday. Support among others on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee started to wane in recent days. The action seemed to show that Washington lacked the necessary support to withdraw his election from committee.

A person with knowledge of the situation informed theAssociated Press that Sen. Kyrsten Sinema ( I – AZ ), a Democrat-turned-Independent who continues to run for office and sits on the panel, had expressed her opposition. She had never made it clear how she intended to vote on the nomination in advance of the Wednesday postponement. Sen. Tammy Duckworth( D-IL ) informed Politico that” one person ,” though she would not specify who, was to blame for the vote’s delay.

Grass. As the vote drew near, Jacky Rosen ( D – NV ) and Jon Tester, a moderate who will compete for reelection in 2024, also declined to say how they would vote on the nomination.

READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON Inspector BY CLICKING HERE

Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt( R-MO ), a member of the committee, claimed in an interview with the Washington Examiner on Wednesday that Washington’s nomination was in greater danger than Democrats were willing to acknowledge at the time.

After significant spikes in delayed or canceled planes and near misses on runways, the FAA has come under scrutiny in recent months amid concerns about atmosphere safety and general competency.