Airline CEO confirmed as next FAA chief
Background: Despite confirmation, Democrats for weeks have expressed concern about Bedford's record, namely his past attempts as Republic's CEO to win an exception to an FAA requirement that pilots need 1,500 hours of training before they can operate commercial jets. During his confirmation hearing, Bedford wouldn't commit to maintaining the standard as is.
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Commerce Committee, said ahead of Wednesday's vote that Bedford's 'willingness' to change crucial policies like the flight hours rule 'is the opposite of the aggressive oversight the agency needs at this time,' noting additional opposition from groups like relatives of those who died in the Colgan Air crash near Buffalo, New York, in 2009. (The crash became the catalyst for the requirement.)
What's next: Bedford is expected to take charge in the coming days. Chris Rocheleau, who's been in the acting role since the Jan. 29 midair crash, would move into the deputy administrator role, which is what he was originally slated to get the nod for before the fatal crash.
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