Ahead of the Senate vote on the confirmation of Bryan Bedford, President Trump's nominee for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell expressed her opposition. Sen. Cantwell stated, "The next Federal Aviation Administrator cannot have a light touch approach to aviation safety." She emphasized that leadership at the FAA should ensure America remains a leader in aviation safety.
Sen. Cantwell highlighted concerns about Bedford's willingness to change safety policies, such as reducing pilot training hours and considering single pilot cockpits. During his nomination hearing, she insisted on having an Administrator who champions safety and strengthens standards rather than weakening them.
Bedford did not commit to maintaining the 1,500-hour pilot training rule if confirmed. In June, Sen. Cantwell criticized his refusal to recuse himself from granting his company an exemption from this requirement.
Families of Flight 3407 and Captain Sully Sullenberger oppose Bedford's nomination due to his past efforts to circumvent the 1,500-hour rule. As CEO of Republic Airways, he petitioned the FAA to hire pilots with only 750 hours after completing a specific training program.
Sen. Cantwell has worked extensively on improving aviation safety. On June 5, 2025, she introduced the Safe Operation of Shared Airspace Act following a tragic mid-air collision in January that claimed 67 lives. Under her leadership in 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law.
In 2020, her Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act strengthened FAA oversight of aircraft manufacturers and mandated safety management systems.
