In a Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing held in Washington, D.C., Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) addressed the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown on the nation’s aviation system and highlighted three nominees for key transportation oversight roles.
Sen. Cruz opened his remarks by commending Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford for their efforts to maintain safety amid staffing shortages resulting from the government shutdown. He attributed these shortages to actions taken by Senate Democrats, stating that “Senate Democrats, with a few notable exceptions, [have] taken the government and the air traffic control system hostage.”
Cruz voiced support for John DeLeeuw, nominated to serve on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). He described DeLeeuw as “an experienced pilot who has spent his entire career focused on aviation safety,” citing endorsements from industry leaders who believe DeLeeuw’s background in military and commercial aviation, accident investigation, and safety management qualifies him for the position.
Cruz also discussed two nominees for the Surface Transportation Board (STB): Richard Kloster and Michelle Schultz. Kloster brings over 40 years of experience in railroad operations and logistics, having worked with multiple railroads, shippers, suppliers, and founded his own consulting firm. Schultz has been renominated by President Trump after serving as vice chairman of the STB since January 2021. She previously led legislative affairs at Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
During his prepared statement, Cruz outlined concerns about disruptions caused by the shutdown: “Yesterday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced that beginning tomorrow morning, there will be a ten percent reduction in flights at forty airports across the country.” He added that key staffers are not being paid, leading to increased fatigue among air traffic controllers and delays in critical investigations.
He further stated: “Tens of thousands of Americans will have their flights cancelled every day, due solely to Senate Democrats... The impacts of this shutdown are real and becoming dangerous.”
Cruz detailed DeLeeuw’s qualifications: “A proud Texan of nearly 40 years, Mr. DeLeeuw is an accomplished safety professional and airline captain who began his aviation career in the Air Force flying C-130 Hercules planes supporting combat missions in Desert Storm. After his military service, Mr. DeLeeuw joined American Airlines as a line captain and first officer in 1991.”
DeLeeuw later led American Airlines’ safety initiatives for more than a decade and served as chairman of the American Pilots’ Association’s National Safety Committee while teaching aviation safety courses at the University of Southern California.
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy attended the hearing and was quoted as saying: “John has an extensive background in aviation safety and has worked alongside the NTSB for decades. He often uses lessons learned to improve safety throughout transportation, including oil and pipelines and maritime. John will be an excellent addition to the Board, if confirmed.”
Regarding Kloster’s nomination to STB, Cruz noted: “Mr. Kloster is a seasoned railroad and transportation logistics professional with over four decades of private sector experience... If confirmed, Mr. Kloster will utilize his extensive knowledge of the rail industry... to advance the STB’s economic oversight of freight railroads.”
On Schultz’s renomination he said: “Ms. Schultz’s decades of legal and transportation experience have served her well on the STB... As vice chairman of the STB, Ms. Schultz has prioritized engaging with stakeholders to improve freight rail service quality and efficiency at the agency.”
Cruz concluded by emphasizing support for all three nominees despite partisan disputes over presidential powers affecting committee proceedings: “The focus of today should be plain and simple: supporting transportation safety and rail competition... I’m eager to hear how each of you will approach your roles in ensuring the overall strength and safety of our country’s transportation systems.”
