- Joe Biden's pick to lead the FAA, Phillip Washington, withdraws his name from the nomination
- The decision came following a series of unfounded criticism from the GOP
- Republican lawmakers argue Washington has insufficient aviation-related experience
United States President Joe Biden's pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Phillip Washington, withdraws his name from nomination following GOP criticism.
In a statement on Saturday night, the White House said that the unfortunate decision was made following an "onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks" on Washington's service and experience. Officials noted that these criticisms ultimately delayed the process, threatened unnecessary procedural hurdles on the Senate floor, and led to the nominee's withdrawal.
Phillip Washington Withdraws Name from Nomination
In a Twitter post, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg confirmed the announcement of Washington's withdrawal from nomination to lead the FAA. He also called him an "excellent nominee" and laid the blame on underserved and partisan attacks.
Buttigieg argued that the FAA desperately needed a confirmed Administrator, noting that Washington's transportation and military experience made him one of, if not the best, nominee. He added that the Republican Party's attacks and obstruction of the process were completely undeserved, as per CBS News.
Republican lawmakers stood united in opposing Washington's nomination to lead the FAA. They said he was unqualified for the position due to his limited aviation experience. On the other hand, Democratic officials and allied independents could still push through with Biden's pick.
The nominee's fate appeared to have been decided when Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell suddenly called off a scheduled vote last Wednesday. The decision was a sign that she did not have enough votes to move the nomination out of the committee. Furthermore, she noted that some senators wanted more information regarding Washington.
On the other hand, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and John Tester of Montana declined to reveal how they would have voted about Washington's nomination. One person familiar with the matter said that Sinema was holding up the nomination and previously indicated her opposition to Biden's pick.
Finding Someone to Lead the FAA
It is highly likely for the White House to shore up support from SInema, Tester, and other moderates before announcing a new nominee. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said on Saturday that it was not the time to confirm an administration that he said needs "on-the-job training" because the FAA is currently facing "significant challenges," according to Fox Business.
He argued that the Biden administration must now quickly find someone to lead the FAA with a sufficient and extensive background in aviation. Cruz added that the next nominee should be able to shore up widespread bipartisan support in the Senate and keep the public flying safely.
One official also said that politics must not be used to confirm an Administrator to lead the FAA. They argued that the White House would move expeditiously in an attempt to nominate a new candidate for the position, saying that they believe that the Senate owes it to the American people to quickly consider and confirm an individual to take up the role of leader, said CNN.
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