A nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration recently withdrew his name from consideration after facing an onslaught of criticism.
Phillip A. Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport, said "an onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks" led to his stepping back from the nomination, according to a March 26 CNN report.
"The FAA needs a confirmed administrator, and Phil Washington's transportation & military experience made him an excellent nominee," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a March 25 Twitter post. "The partisan attacks and procedural obstruction he has faced are undeserved, but I respect his decision to withdraw and am grateful for his service."
Washington's confirmation was delayed amid criticism of his past leadership of transportation agencies in Denver and Los Angeles, according to CNN.
Washington shared his thoughts in a letter to the editor of the Sentinel.
"I no longer saw a respectful, civil and viable path forward to Senate confirmation," Washington said in his letter. "I faced cheap and unfounded partisan attacks and procedural obstruction with regard to my military career that would have further lengthened the already delayed confirmation process."
His letter continued to say he understands the importance of finding a new FAA administrator and wanted to step aside to avoid holding up the process, the Sentinel reported. He also shared his gratitude to everyone who believed in him and helped him along the way.
Washington was named Denver International Airport CEO in July 2021, according to his bio on the airport's website. Denver International Airport is the world's third-busiest airport. Washington previously, he served as CEO of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Denver Regional Transportation District.
He led the implementation of the FasTracks program in Denver and managed a balanced budget of more than $8 billion at Metro, his bio continued. He co-founded the Equity in Infrastructure Program to provide opportunities for historically underutilized businesses. He is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army and holds a bachelor's degree in business and an master's degree in management.
CNN also reported President Joe Biden hasn't yet named a new nominee.
