Trump's pick to lead FAA grilled by senators over air traffic control system, safety at Reagan National Airport

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CNN US

Updated Jun 11, 2025, 7:19 PM ET
PUBLISHED Jun 11, 2025, 4:17 PM ET


Washington, DC — President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration was grilled by senators Wednesday on critical safety-related issues, including the required hours needed for pilots, the outdated air traffic control system and the ongoing problems at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. At a hearing held by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, senators raised questions about the current state of the country’s aviation system to airline executive Bryan Bedford.

The FAA administrator role has been filled by Chris Rocheleau on an interim basis since the departure of former Administrator Mike Whitaker on Inauguration Day. Top of the mind for senators was safety. If confirmed, Bedford would oversee the country’s airspace system, which has dealt with several issues over the last six months, including fatal air travel incidents and an outdated air traffic control system that has experienced technology outages.

“The system that manages our skies is showing its age,” Bedford testified. “The stresses of this antiquated system truly came into view as we all returned to the skies after Covid. Chronic understaffing, controller fatigue, outdated facilities and telecommunications technology has placed a significant strain on the men and women at the FAA, and it has absolutely frustrated travelers with excessive delays and cancellations and has caused the public to question whether it’s truly safe to fly.”

Senators pressed Bedford on major challenges facing the FAA as it grapples with repeat air traffic control systems failures at the approach control facility for Newark Liberty International Airport; aging air traffic control infrastructure nationwide; and a shortage of 3,000 air traffic controllers.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/11/us/bryan-bedford-faa-senate-hearing

[Midnight Writer]

1. I don't get it. Has Bedford got a TV show? A podcast? How is he qualified to work for Trump?

"Chronic understaffing, controller fatigue, outdated facilities and telecommunications technology" are the big problems. according to Bedford.

Yet this Administration wants to cut staff and cut spending.

How do you solve "chronic understaffing" by firing everyone in sight? How do you solve outdated facilities and technology by cutting spending to the point the system is barely operational?

How do these Republicans keep a straight face at these hearings?

[SSJVegeta]

2. Isnt it ironic that the airport named after Reagan is one that had major problems due to ATC issues?

After all, everything that is hapening now is a consequence of all the bullshit he threw at us.

[Marvin Jones]

3. No

I will not fly until this gang is gone.

[littlemissmartypants]

4. This guy ...

Has a string of failed airlines in his history. Most recently a 2020 bankruptcy which created a default on his promise during his [Trump required prerequisite] TV appearance on Undercover Boss to restore pay for the employees. Another vulture capitalist.

[PSPS]

5. If his only association with airplanes is "airline executive," he's not qualified but he'll still get confirmed.

[BumRushDaShow]

6. And if Carnival Cruz is still on the Committee

should he vote to confirm, it would be ironic given he had this to say about Biden's nominee -

DIA boss Phil Washington, Biden’s pick to lead FAA, faces turbulent confirmation hearing

The Associated Press
1:27 PM MST on Mar 1, 2023 Updated 7:50 AM MST on Mar 2, 2023


(snip)

Republicans, however, seized on Washington’s short time in the aviation field. They noted that he is not a pilot, in contrast to some of his recent predecessors and the current acting administrator, Billy Nolen.

“He does not have any experience in aviation safety,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. “This quite simply is a position he is not qualified for.”

(snip)