Phillip Washington, President Biden's pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has withdrawn his nomination in the face of criticism from Senators Republicans. Republican lawmakers argued that Washington lacked the necessary aviation experience to lead the FAA and were joined by a few Democrats such as Sens in their criticism. Jon Tester and Kyrsten Sinema are both Jon Tester and Kyrsten Sinema. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg cited "undeserved" attacks in confirming Washington's withdrawal, noting that the U.S. This year the airports were on track for over 20 close calls between passenger jets.
Washington, the current CEO of Denver International Airport, was nominated by President Biden eight months ago but faced criticism due to his lack of experience in aviation. During his first confirmation hearing he was heavily criticized by Republicans for his lack of experience. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation was set to vote on Wednesday on Washington's nomination, but the vote was postponed due to lack of support.
Officials told the outlet that the Biden administration respects Washington’s decision to withdraw his name from consideration. The FAA has recently come under fire due to flights being grounded for hours in January, several recent near-collisions of aircraft and personnel shortages leading to travel disruptions. Unions representing 75,000 flight attendants had backed Washington's nomination and some former FAA leaders had supported him due to his experience outside of aviation. Ultimately, it was Senator Kyrsten Sinema who scuttled Democrats' hopes of a vote to endorse his nomination. The White House blamed the Republicans for prompting Washington's withdrawal, citing an "onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks on Mr. Washington Service and Experience in Washington."
The FAA has been without a Senate-confirmed administrator for two years and is now looking for a suitable replacement. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who led opposition to Washington, said the Biden administration should quickly name someone to head the FAA with an extensive aviation background who could earn widespread bipartisan support in the Senate.