FAA Head’s Quick Confirmation Gains Bipartisan Backing
Senate Committee Shows Bipartisan Support for FAA Nominee
During the initial Senate committee hearing on Wednesday regarding President Joe Biden’s nominee for FAA head, there was bipartisan support for a speedy confirmation of an administrator for the agency, which has been without a confirmed leader for 18 months.
In the recent Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing, Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) highlighted the widespread support garnered by President Biden’s nomination of Michael G. Whitaker, not only from both sides of the aisle but also from various members of the aviation community.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the committee’s ranking member, said in his opening statement, “Every day, some three million passengers board commercial flights in and out of U.S. airports with the confidence that they will safely arrive at their destinations. This public trust is the result of a nearly eight-decade collaboration between the aviation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration.”
The ranking Republican expressed his approval of the Biden administration’s decision to heed his advice in nominating someone with personal expertise in the aviation field.
“The next administrator will face serious challenges in rebuilding the FAA after 18 months without a Senate-confirmed leader: staffing critical air traffic control facilities; modernizing antiquated air traffic systems; and bringing FAA employees back in person after three years of telework … I am glad that the Administration has finally heeded my advice and nominated a person with experience in aviation.”
Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who introduced Mr. Whitaker to the committee, said of the nominee, “Safety is dependent on consistency, and unfortunately, the only thing that’s been consistent at the agency since the former administrator departed is the growing list of acting positions across the agency. Eighteen months without an FAA administrator is troubling.”
During his opening statements, Mr. Whitaker outlined his plan for the agency, saying if confirmed, he would “work to not just maintain the safety record we have collectively achieved, but build upon it” and that he believes the FAA needs to “build the aviation system of the future” which will require that the agency “be agile and creative, and for all of us to make ongoing investments.”
The nominee also said his goals cannot be achieved without making the FAA a place where aviators want to build their careers.
“The FAA faces big challenges, and it will take innovators and dreamers, who bring ideas from every part of our country, to solve them. Aviation has opened doors of opportunity to so many, including me. We must make sure it continues to do so for citizens in every corner of the country, no matter their background.”
Whitaker’s Nomination
Early in September, President Biden nominated Mr. Whitaker, a former Obama administration official, to lead the FAA following his first choice withdrawing from consideration for the position in March after opposition from Republicans in the Senate.
The agency confronts a number of obstacles, including a lack of air traffic controllers, aging technology, and concern regarding close calls between planes at major airports. Additionally, Congress is currently debating legislation that will govern the agency’s operations for the next five years.
Whitaker worked as a lawyer for TWA, which was acquired by American Airlines. He then spent 15 years at United Airlines, where he supervised international and regulatory affairs as a senior vice president, before moving to InterGlobe, an Indian travel company.
From 2013 to 2016, he served as deputy FAA administrator, a position that does not require Senate approval. He is the chief commercial officer for Supernal, a subsidiary of Hyundai that is developing an electric-powered air transport that would require FAA certification to fly in the United States.
Last year, Biden nominated Phillip Washington as CEO of Denver International Airport, but he withdrew the nomination in March after it stagnated in the Senate Commerce Committee.
Republicans and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) argued that Washington lacked adequate aviation experience—his background is mostly in city transit systems, having held the Denver airport position only since mid-2021.
The FAA has been without a Senate-confirmed leader since early last year, when President Donald Trump’s nominee, Stephen Dickson, resigned in the middle of his five-year term.
Since then, two successive interim administrators have led the agency. In a recent interview, Billy Nolen, who quit the FAA in June to join another air taxi company, Archer Aviation, praised the nomination of Mr. Whitaker, saying he couldn’t think of a better person to run the agency.
Conservative Concern
However, a conservative watchdog group, the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), voiced concerns that Mr. Whitaker’s ties to an electric “flying taxi” company could conflict with his ability to serve the American people’s best interest.
“Mike Whitaker currently works with an electric ‘flying taxi’ business named Supernal. These ‘flying taxis’ are formally called eTVOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) vehicles, and eTVOLs as a class are about to undergo a significant period of regulatory scrutiny by the FAA as they seek their first approvals,” the AAF said in their memo.
“Additionally, the federal funding floodgates have begun to open for infrastructure buildout for vertiports capable of landing these vehicles,” the group went on. “We believe Mike Whitaker’s closeness with the industry raises serious conflict of interest questions. Will Mike Whitaker usher through approvals that benefit his former employer and, consequently, enable the federal government to dispense limitless ‘helicopter money’ to fund vertiport buildout?”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
What are some of the challenges facing the air transportation system that the FAA needs to address?
Ious challenges, including maximizing the safety and efficiency of our air transportation system, integrating new technologies, and promoting innovation,” Cruz said.
Whitaker, who previously served as the FAA Deputy Administrator under the Obama administration, has received widespread support from industry stakeholders and aviation experts. During the hearing, Senators from both parties commended his experience and knowledge in the field.
In her opening statement, Chair Cantwell emphasized the need for strong leadership at the FAA, stating, “The FAA plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of our aviation system. We need a qualified leader who can address the challenges facing the industry, including the integration of unmanned aircraft systems and the adoption of new technologies.”
She further expressed her confidence in Whitaker’s ability to tackle these issues, citing his previous experience and accomplishments at the FAA. Cantwell highlighted his leadership in implementing the Next Generation Air Transportation System, a modernization initiative aimed at improving air traffic control and aviation safety.
Other Senators also voiced their support for Whitaker’s nomination. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) praised Whitaker’s commitment to advancing aviation safety and stressed the importance of maintaining the FAA’s role as the global leader in aviation regulation. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) commended his dedication to addressing noise pollution and the environmental impact of aviation.
Overall, the bipartisan support demonstrated during the Senate committee hearing bodes well for Whitaker’s confirmation as FAA head. With a broad consensus among Senators from both parties and endorsements from industry stakeholders, his confirmation seems likely.
If confirmed, Whitaker will face a myriad of challenges and opportunities as the head of the FAA. These include the continued integration of drones into the national airspace, addressing cybersecurity threats to aviation systems, and promoting sustainable aviation practices.
As the aviation industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, a strong and capable leader at the helm of the FAA will be crucial in guiding the industry towards a safe and prosperous future. Whitaker’s nomination, backed by bipartisan support, underscores the importance of having a qualified and experienced administrator who can navigate these complex issues and ensure the continued safety and success of the nation’s aviation system.
The Senate committee’s bipartisan endorsement of Whitaker’s nomination sends a positive signal of unity and cooperation in a politically divided climate. It showcases that when it comes to matters of national importance, such as aviation safety and regulation, lawmakers are willing to put aside their differences and work together for the greater good.
Given the broad support from both sides of the aisle and the aviation community, it is expected that Whitaker’s confirmation process will proceed smoothly. Once confirmed, he will bring his expertise and leadership to the FAA, playing a vital role in shaping the future of aviation and upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency in the industry.
The FAA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s airspace and ensuring the safety of millions of passengers who rely on air travel every day. With bipartisan support behind him, Michael G. Whitaker is poised to take on this responsibility and lead the FAA towards continued excellence and innovation in the years to come.
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