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Senate Confirms Bryan Bedford to Lead FAA

Confirmed on a 53-43 vote, he assumes leadership with intense scrutiny of flight safety.

Overview

  • His nomination advanced out of the Senate Commerce Committee by a 15-13 party-line vote before reaching the full Senate.
  • During his confirmation hearing, Bedford declined to guarantee adherence to the FAA’s 1,500-hour pilot training rule enacted after the 2009 Colgan Air crash.
  • Flight safety advocates, including families of the Colgan Air victims and pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, warned that his leadership could erode critical safety standards.
  • Supporters such as Sen. Ted Cruz, Airlines for America and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby highlighted Bedford’s 25-year tenure at Republic Airways and his commitment to modernizing air traffic systems.
  • He takes the helm as the FAA copes with staffing shortages, outdated technology and pressure to accelerate infrastructure upgrades following recent accidents and near misses.