S.Hrg.119-254

1[Senate Hearing 119-254]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                        S. Hrg. 119-25456                      NOMINATION OF BRYAN BEDFORD,7                      NOMINEE TO BE ADMINISTRATOR,8                    FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION910=======================================================================1112                                HEARING1314                               before the1516                         COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,17                      SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION18                          UNITED STATES SENATE1920                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2122                             FIRST SESSION2324                               __________2526                             JUNE 11, 20252728                               __________2930    Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and31                             Transportation3233                 [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3435                Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov3637                               ______3839                 U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE404162-325 PDF                WASHINGTON : 20254243       SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION4445                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS4647                             FIRST SESSION4849                       TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman5051JOHN THUNE, South Dakota             MARIA CANTWELL, Washington,52ROGER WICKER, Mississippi                Ranking53DEB FISCHER, Nebraska                AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota54JERRY MORAN, Kansas                  BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii55DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska                 EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts56MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee          GARY PETERS, Michigan57TODD YOUNG, Indiana                  TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin58TED BUDD, North Carolina             TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois59ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri               JACKY ROSEN, Nevada60JOHN CURTIS, Utah                    BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico61BERNIE MORENO, Ohio                  JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado62TIM SHEEHY, Montana                  JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania63SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia  ANDY KIM, New Jersey64CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming              LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware6566                 Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director67           Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director68                   Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director69                 Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director7071                            C O N T E N T S7273                              ----------74                                                                   Page75Hearing held on June 11, 2025....................................     176Statement of Senator Cruz........................................     177    Letter dated April 22, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria78      Cantwell from Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO, Flight79      Safety Foundation..........................................    6180    Letter dated June 6, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria81      Cantwell from Warren Christie, Chief Operating Officer,82      JetBlue....................................................    6383    Letter dated June 6, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz from Chris Brown,84      Interim Executive Director, Association of Value Airlines..    6485    Letter dated June 9, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria86      Cantwell from David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer,87      American Airlines..........................................    6588    Letter dated June 9, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria89      Cantwell from J. Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer,90      United Airlines............................................    6691    News Release dated June 10, 2025 from Tayor Bryan, National92      Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO)............    6793    Letter dated June 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria94      Cantwell from Faye Malarkey Black, President & CEO,95      Regional Airline Association...............................    6896    Letter dated June 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria97      Cantwell from Robert Binns, CEO, AirWisconsin; Rick Leach,98      CEO, GoJet; Linda Markham, CEO, Cape Air; Jason Berry, CEO,99      Horizon Air; Jonathan Ornstein, CEO, Mesa Air; John100      Sullivan (Executive Chairman), Rick Hoefling (CEO),101      CommuteAir; William Bedokas, CEO, New England Airlines; Tim102      Komberec, CEO, Empire Air; Eric Morgan, CEO, Piedmont; Jim103      Graham, CEO, Endeavor Air; Dion FlanneryCEO, PSA Airlines;104      Pedro Fabregas, CEO, Envoy Air; Matt Koscal, President105      Chief Commercial Officer, Republic Airways; Russell A.106      ``Chip'' Childs, President & CEO, SkyWest Airlines.........    69107    Letter dated June 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz from Captain108      Barry Kendrick, President, Let Experienced Pilots Fly, Inc.    71109    Letter dated June 10, 2025 from Allie Cloyes, Government110      Affairs, BETA Technologies.................................    73111    Letter to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Randy112      Babbitt, Marion Blakey, Stephen Dickson, Daniel Elwell,113      Jane Garvey, Michael Huerta, T. Allan McArtor, Billy Nolen,114      Bobby Sturgell and Mike Whitaker...........................    74115    Letter dated June 10, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz from Ross116      Mitchell, Senior Vice President, Strategy, Business117      Development and Communications, MHI RJ Aviation Inc.118      (MHIRJ)....................................................    76119    Letter dated June 11, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria120      Cantwell from Curt Castagna, President and CEO, National121      Air Transportation Association (NATA)......................    77122Statement of Senator Cantwell....................................     2123Statement of Senator Young.......................................     4124Statement of Senator Fischer.....................................    25125Statement of Senator Kim.........................................    27126Statement of Senator Budd........................................    29127Statement of Senator Fetterman...................................    32128Statement of Senator Duckworth...................................    35129Statement of Senator Moreno......................................    37130Statement of Senator Lujan.......................................    39131Statement of Senator Peters......................................    41132Statement of Senator Klobuchar...................................    43133Statement of Senator Blackburn...................................    45134Statement of Senator Baldwin.....................................    47135Statement of Senator Sullivan....................................    49136Statement of Senator Hickenlooper................................    51137Statement of Senator Moran.......................................    53138Statement of Senator Rosen.......................................    55139Statement of Senator Lummis......................................    57140Statement of Senator Markey......................................    58141142                               Witnesses143144Bryan Bedford, Nominee to be Administrator, Federal Aviation145  Administration.................................................     5146    Prepared statement...........................................     7147    Biographical information.....................................     9148149                                Appendix150151Response to written questions submitted to Bryan Bedford by:152    Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................    79153    Hon. Eric Schmitt............................................    80154    Hon. Tim Sheehy..............................................    81155    Hon. Shelley Moore Capito....................................    81156    Hon. Maria Cantwell..........................................    83157    Hon. Edward Markey...........................................    91158    Hon. Gary Peters.............................................    91159    Hon. Tammy Duckworth.........................................    92160    Hon. Ben Ray Lujan...........................................    94161    Hon. John Hickenlooper.......................................    95162163                      NOMINATION OF BRYAN BEDFORD,164                      NOMINEE TO BE ADMINISTRATOR,165                    FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION166167                              ----------168169                        WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025170171                                       U.S. Senate,172        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,173                                                    Washington, DC.174    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:03 a.m., in175room SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Ted Cruz,176Chairman of the Committee, presiding.177    Present: Senators Cruz [presiding], Fischer, Moran,178Sullivan, Blackburn, Young, Budd, Schmitt, Moreno, Sheehy,179Lummis, Cantwell, Klobuchar, Markey, Peters, Baldwin,180Duckworth, Rosen, Lujan, Hickenlooper, Fetterman, Kim, and181Blunt Rochester.182183              OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,184                    U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS185186    The Chairman. Good morning. The Senate Committee on187Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order.188Today, we consider the nomination of Bryan Bedford to be the189next Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Mr.190Bedford's nomination comes at a critical moment for the FAA.191    In January, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an192Army Blackhawk helicopter, the deadliest accident in the United193States in more than 15 years. That accident, and the air194traffic control breakdowns that have occurred since, laid bare195the vulnerable state of the U.S. air traffic control system.196    The technologies are outdated, old facilities are197understaffed, and the systemic issues that have plagued the FAA198for decades remain unresolved. The stakes are extraordinarily199high. If the United States doesn't make critical progress in200the near future, other countries, both allies and adversaries,201will become aerospace hubs at our expense. It is my hope that202under the leadership of Bryan Bedford, the United States will203lead the world in aerospace innovation and remain the gold204standard for safety.205    For the last 25 years, Mr. Bedford has led Republic206Airways, growing it from a fledgling regional airline to one207with over $3 billion in annual revenues and more than 200208aircraft, all while maintaining a robust safety culture. As209CEO, Mr. Bedford launched the LIFT Academy, the first airline-210owned training academy to leverage modern technologies to train211better aviators.212    LIFT Academy has created an affordable and state-of-the-art213training for both aviation mechanics and pilots. It has become214a vital pipeline to address the industry's workforce shortages.215As a pilot, Mr. Bedford understands how important it is for216pilots to go through rigorous training, both with real world217and simular flight time, which is the best way to prepare for218severe weather and extreme situations. 1,500 hours of mindless219banner towing is no way to train a commercial pilot.220    Mr. Bedford did all of this while raising nine children221along with his wife, Maria. And I will say in that, he shares222the nine children with the great Supreme Court Justice Antonin223Scalia, and so I expect similar great things from you, Mr.224Bedford. The FAA is sorely in need of his steady leadership.225    No Senate confirmed head of the agency has completed a full2265 year term since 2018. Looking forward, the FAA faces numerous227challenges. It needs help to get Boeing back on track. The FAA228will have to integrate new aviation technologies like drones,229and air taxis, and commercial space launches, and it must230accelerate the advancement of air traffic control.231    Last week, this committee released the Commerce title of232the Senate Reconciliation Bill. We will provide the FAA with233more than $12 billion, an historic investment, to improve poor234infrastructure and to deploy better technology. Poor management235over many decades has left Congress with no choice.236    I have high expectations for transparency, and this237committee intends to hold both the Department of Transportation238and the FAA accountable for implementing the improvements239responsibly and promptly.240    I look forward to hearing how Mr. Bedford will ensure that241the FAA is equipped to meet this moment and to bring the U.S.242aviation system into the modern era. And I look forward to243hearing also how under his leadership, we will modernize air244traffic control to keep the flying public safe, which is the245principle and the core responsibility of the FAA.246    I now turn to Ranking Member Cantwell for her opening247statement.248249               STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,250                  U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON251252    Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And253congratulations on your nomination, Mr. Bedford. Welcome to254your family and their willingness to help in this larger255effort.256    Before I begin, I want to recognize the members of families257who are here from the Colgan Flight 3407. They have been a258constant source of aviation safety focus, and I want recognize259Tim and Sherry Lilly, who lost their son in the January260American DCA collision.261    Thank you for being here and your focus on safety. It is262important that we have an FAA Administrator who strengthens our263aviation standards to honor the families who have lost loved264ones in these tragic accidents. The position is one with265enormous responsibility. Every day, the FAA manages around26645,000 flights, ensuring the safety of over 2.9 million267commercial airline passengers.268    The agency's fundamental mission is safety, ensuring the269United States maintains the world's safety aviation system. The270tragic midair collision in January between the Army Blackhawk271helicopter and American Airlines Flight 5342 took the lives of27267 people and is a stark reminder what happens when the system273fails.274    These failures underscore why we must have an Administrator275who is an unwavering champion for safety, who strengthens276safety standards rather than seeking a way around them. Your277nomination does not come in a vacuum.278    So the committee has obviously heard from other Trump279Administration officials, and we are concerned about light280touch approaches in general. I can ensure you that we need a281hands-on approach, not a hands-off approach.282    We don't need someone changing the standards just because283they think they can lower costs. As multiple high profile284aviation incidents have shown us that prioritizing efficiency285over safety leads to higher costs instead of doing the right286thing the first time. So simply put, we need an Administrator287that my colleague and I agree on helps us get to the gold288standard in the United States of America.289    Someone who is not looking for shortcuts but is looking to290restore this for the U.S. Congress passed the FAA291Reauthorization Bill with overwhelming bipartisan support to292strengthen safety, modernize our air traffic control system,293and build a qualified workforce.294    We required the FAA to mandate 25-hour cockpit voice295recorders, overhaul helicopter air tour safety regulations296requiring foreign maintenance repair stations to meet the same297safety standards that we have in the U.S., and the law298authorized $17 billion for critical air traffic control299technology equipment upgrades.300    Given that, Secretary Duffy's plans to build off of that301FAA law, I am very interested in how you plan to implement that302vision. While attention to upgrading our air traffic system is303encouraging, recent outages at Newark make clear that the FAA304needs an all hands on deck approach.305    We are experiencing the serious loss of talent at the FAA.306So I certainly don't agree with the Administration's cutting of307FAA officials. Senior FAA leaders are leaving, and the FAA has308lost about 3 percent of its workforce. I firmly believe in the309next aviation mission, which is the thermoplastic composites310that both commercial aviation will use that will make311production go from 40 planes a month to 100 planes a month. We312need it for space, and we absolutely need it for national313defense security.314    So I hope that the FAA can fill both these roles of safety315and the future of aviation implementation. I look forward to316hearing how you can fulfill these missions, and we want to know317what you are going to do to strengthen the oversight of safety,318both here in the U.S. and internationally at ICAO.319    The United States needs to advocate for the highest safety320standards on an international basis as well. You spent an321entire career in the airline industry, so we know you know the322aviation business at Republic Airways. I do have concerns about323the long opposition to the FAA's 1,500-hour rule finalized in3242013. You said that the rule ``does not--does nothing to325further the goal of increased flight safety.''326    Since the 1,500-hour rule and the reforms that took place,327fatalities have been reduced by 99 percent in the last 11328years. So I am sure I will ask you for the record what you329think about the 1,500-hour rule and what we need to do to330continue the exemplary investment in aviation safety.331    The DCA collision exposed multiple safety failures,332including the Army Blackhawk helicopter not transmitting333enhanced ADS-B Out technology on safe flight routes for mixed334traffic DCA, and a lack of FAA and Department of Defense335coordination. That is why I introduced with my colleagues,336Senator Duckworth, Klobuchar, Warnock, Kaine, Warner, and337Markey, legislation to ensure that the FAA has an effective,338integrate agency-wide safety management system to prioritize339the reviews of airports and high volume traffic.340    So I look forward to asking you about how you plan to341strengthen this particular area of FAA oversight. So, Congress342has clearly prescribed a very proactive approach for the FAA343oversight, not reactive. So this is the path forward, a344stronger, more effective FAA. I look forward to discussing345these issues with you. And again, congratulations on your346nomination.347    The Chairman. Thank you. I will now turn to our colleague348from Indiana, Senator Young, to introduce Mr. Bedford.349350                 STATEMENT OF HON. TODD YOUNG,351                   U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA352353    Senator Young. Well, thank you Chairman Cruz, Ranking354Member Cantwell, members of the Committee. I am grateful for355this opportunity to introduce my friend, Bryan Bedford, to this356committee.357    Last year, a report by the General Accountability Office358documented the troubling state of America's air traffic control359systems. Critical infrastructure is aging or already outdated.360Many of our control towers are four decades old. Our average361air traffic route--air route traffic control centers were built362over a half century ago.363    Nearly 80 percent of the Federal Aviation Administration's364systems are operationally untenable in the long term. The FAA365workforce in safety-critical positions, none of which it should366be noted were eliminated as part of the recent resignation367program, is understaffed and overworked, leading to potentially368dangerous burnout.369    Modernization of America's aviation system is overdue.370Secretary Duffy has introduced a plan to provide much needed371upgrades to not only strengthen the safety of, but also improve372the efficiency of our air traffic control system. And Bryan373Bedford is exactly the type of innovative leader to implement374these much needed reforms. He is the Administrator the FAA375needs now.376    I say this not only because of his Indiana connections,377though those help in my book. He has been a Carmel resident for378the past 26 years, and being a Hoosier is itself a379recommendation. I say this because of his demonstrated380leadership in the aviation industry. Bryan took over Republic381Airways after September 11, 2001, a time when the industry382faced tremendous challenges, decreasing profits, reduced demand383for commercial flights, and the urgent need for significant384security overhauls.385    He guided Republic through this challenging landscape,386turned the company around, increased its annual revenue from387$85 million to $3 billion, grew its fleet from 27 propeller388crafts to 250 jets. He has not only overseen successful mergers389with other carriers, but also partnered with American, Delta,390and United Airlines, from whom Republic runs regional routes.391    The next leader of the FAA will face considerable392challenges reforming America's aviation system. Meeting them is393critical to the safety of our citizens and the well-being of394our economy. It will require visionary thinking, the ability to395create partnerships between Government and industry, and396firsthand understanding of America's aviation system.397    And he will demonstrate today, Ryan Bedford will398demonstrate that he brings all these skills to the position of399FAA Administrator. So I look forward to hearing from and400confirming him, and then working with him on ways we can401increase safety efficiency and innovation in our aviation402ecosystem. Mr. Chairman.403    The Chairman. Thank you. I now recognize Mr. Bedford for404his opening statement and to introduce his beautiful family405that is behind him.406407   STATEMENT OF BRYAN BEDFORD, NOMINEE TO BE ADMINISTRATOR,408                FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION409410    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is my411pleasure to introduce my family. I am so blessed that they were412able to be here with me. My wife, Maria, you know, my spouse413for 35 years, best friend. And you gave me credit for raising414nine kids. She deserves all the credit for that.415    So, I really want to thank you for your prayerful416discernment in our decision to accept the President's call to417serve. Our son, Hunter, is with us. Hunter and his wife, Anne,418and their two beautiful kids, Jack and Grace. They live in419Sewickley, Pennsylvania. The rest of our brood live near us in420Carmel, Indiana.421    Our daughter, Elena, and her husband, Luis Salcedo, and our422beautiful grandchildren, RJ, Isabella, and Mila. Our daughter423Olivia and her husband, David Cook, are with us. Their424children, Wesley and Sylvie. Our son, Jacob. Jacob is currently425at our LIFT Academy and is just a few weeks away from finishing426his commercial pilot license.427    Our son, Peter, is a rising junior--a rising senior, sorry,428at Purdue University. Our daughter, Isabella--I'm sorry,429Amelia--they are so hard to keep track of. She is a rising430sophomore at Purdue University. Our daughter Isabella is a431rising junior at Guerin Catholic. She is driving this summer,432and I promised the Secretary she would do OK.433    And then finally, our daughter Gianna is with us. She is a434rising eighth grader at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. And I435am just so very grateful. Oh, I forgot Logan. He is not able to436be with us--Logan and his wife, Elizabeth. Logan is finishing437his PhD at IU in Alzheimer's research, and they are at a438conference presenting his research today.439    So anyway, thank you for the opportunity to introduce the440family. Thank you, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and441members of the Committee. I want to start by thanking President442Trump for nominating me and for his bold vision to restore our443Nation's air traffic control system to its rightful place as444the world's leader in aviation safety, efficiency, and445reliability.446    I would also like to thank Secretary Duffy for the447confidence and support that he has shown me throughout this448process. From the first flight at Kitty Hawk, America has led449the world in aviation innovation. Both my parents worked on450America's space program, including the Gemini and Apollo451missions, which I believe remains one of the greatest452achievements of this Nation or any nation.453    Flying is safe, but as you know, the system that manages454our skies is showing its age. The stresses of this antiquated455system truly came into view as we all returned to the skies456after COVID. Chronic understaffing, controller fatigue,457outdated facilities and telecommunications technology has458placed a significant strain on the men and women at the FAA.459    And it has absolutely frustrated travelers with excessive460delays and cancellations and has caused the public to question461whether it is truly safe to fly. The most tragic example, of462course, was the chain of events that led to the loss on January46329 of 67 lives.464    I continue to pray for the families of the victims of that465tragedy. They suffered an unimaginable loss. In our 24 hour466news cycle--it is very quick to forget the events behind us.467However, we can't lose the perspective of these families. We468must keep them top of mind in all that we do going forward to469honor their memory by making flying in America safer than ever470before.471    And I can assure each of you that if confirmed, my top472priority will be public safety and restoring the public's473confidence in flying. I watched the March 27th hearing, and I474believe this committee understands that the FAA is at a475crossroads. In the years preceding that tragic night in476January, there were 85 similar misses at Reagan National. We477ask, how did this go unaddressed? It is not acceptable.478    Failure to recognize and mitigate this risk was an479oversight of the FAA's safety management system. Thankfully,480this Administration has already taken swift action to secure481the skies over our Nation's capital by permanently restricting482non-essential helicopter traffic and eliminating mixed traffic483at Reagan.484    It is also my understanding that the FAA and the Department485of Defense are re-evaluating the agreement that governs certain486military operations in the area to prioritize public safety.487Meanwhile, the FAA is launching new initiatives with new tools488to identify other hotspots at airports around the country to489inform them whether similar restrictions may be necessary.490    This is the kind of work that should have been done years491ago, and I am encouraged. I have been in the field of aviation492for over 35 years. I know change can be hard, but I believe the493agency can get back on the right track if we can all agree494first that the air traffic control system needs significant495investment.496    Prior to accepting the President's nomination, I asked497President Trump if I could meet with the senior team at the498FAA. They are a talented group of dedicated professionals.499During that meeting, they expressed their concerns with the500outmoded analog technology, obsolete facilities, and chronic501staffing challenges at our Nation's air traffic control502centers.503    Airline passengers pay significant taxes which are intended504to modernize our systems and ensure that we maintain the most505advanced air traffic control capabilities in the world.506    However, I was informed that more than 90 percent of the507FAA's nearly $6 billion annual budget for modernization is508actually consumed with the maintenance and sustainability of509the old system, leaving virtually nothing for a modernization510investment. President Trump has provided us with the right511vision.512    Secretary Duffy and the team have been working diligently513on defining the plan and the workforce surge. And if confirmed,514I will work closely with this committee to articulate our515strategy and to competently execute the plan. I will work516closely with the professional men and women at the FAA to517provide the leadership that is necessary to execute the518President's vision to build a new, best in class air traffic519control system, and to rectify the chronic understaffing at our520Nation's air centers.521    However, to accomplish this, I hope we can agree, we can't522repeat the mistakes of the past. We can't accept half measures.523In closing, it is equally important to me to reinvigorate the524safety culture at the FAA, to become proactive and fully525invested in a vibrant SMS culture.526    I seek transparency, frequent communication, and radical527accountability to rebuild the trust among our FAA workforce and528with all of our aviation stakeholders. I hope today we can show529this will be a bipartisan effort, a shared commitment to530restoring uncompromising safety, fidelity, and reliability to531our national airspace system.532    Together, we can design and build a new system which will533allow the emergence of new technologies such as drones and534advanced air mobility aircraft to be safely introduced into our535NAS, and to usher in a new era of innovation and opportunity536for American aviation.537    Should the Senate choose to confirm me as the next FAA538Administrator, I pledge to work collaboratively and539transparently with this committee, to communicate frequently540and candidly about the agency's challenges and our strategy to541overcome them.542    But most importantly, I pledge to uphold the sacred trust543placed in us by the American people. I welcome your support and544your questions. Thank you.545    [The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.546Bedford follow:]547548   Prepared Statement of Bryan Bedford, Nominee to be Administrator,549                    Federal Aviation Administration550    Thank you, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, Members of the551Committee.552    I want to start by thanking President Trump for nominating me, and553for his bold vision to restore our Air Traffic Control system to its554rightful place as the world's leader in aviation safety, efficiency,555and reliability.556    I want to thank Secretary Duffy for the confidence and support that557he has shown me throughout this process.558    America is the land where aviation began. Both of my parents worked559on America's Space program, including the Gemini and Apollo missions,560which, I believe, remain the greatest aviation achievements of this561Nation or any nation.562    America has always led the world in aviation innovation.563    Flying is safe, but as you know the system that manages our skies564is showing its age. The stresses of this antiquated system truly came565into view as we all returned to the skies after COVID.566    Chronic understaffing, controller fatigue, outdated facilities and567telecommunication technology has placed a strain on the men and women568at the FAA. It has frustrated travelers with excessive delays and569cancellations; and it has caused the public to question whether it's570truly safe to fly.571    The most tragic example, of course, was the chain of events that572led to the January 29th collision near Reagan National resulting in the573loss of 67 lives.574    I continue to keep all the families of the victims of that tragedy575in my prayers. They suffered an unimaginable loss. In our 24-hour news576cycle, these stories are often quickly forgotten. However, we must keep577those 67 souls and their families in mind in all that we do going578forward to honor their memory by making flying in America safer than579ever before.580    I can assure all of you that, if confirmed, my top priority will be581public safety and in restoring the public's confidence in flying.582    I watched the March 27th hearing, and I believe this Committee583understands that the FAA is at a crossroads.584    In the years preceding that tragic night in January, there were 85585similar near misses at Reagan National. How did this go unaddressed?586It's unacceptable.587    Failure to recognize this risk was a clear oversight of the FAA's588Safety Management System.589    Thankfully, this Administration has already taken swift action to590secure the skies over our Nation's capital by permanently restricting591non-essential helicopter operations and eliminating mixed helicopter592and fixed wing traffic. It is also my understanding that the FAA and593the Department of Defense are reevaluating the agreement that governs594certain military operations in the area to prioritize public safety.595    Meanwhile, the FAA has launched a new initiative using new tools to596identify other helicopter hotspots at airports around the country and597inform whether similar restrictions may be necessary.598    This is the kind of work that should have been done years ago, and599I couldn't be more encouraged.600    I've been in the field of aviation for more than 35 years. I601believe we can get the Agency back on the right track, but first we602must agree that our Air Traffic Control system needs significant603investment.604    Prior to accepting the nomination, I asked the President if I could605meet with the senior team at the FAA. They are an impressive group of606talented, dedicated men and women. During that meeting, they expressed607serious concerns with outmoded, analog telecommunications technology,608obsolete facilities, and the chronic staffing challenges at our air609traffic control centers.610    Airline passengers pay significant taxes intended to modernize our611systems to ensure that we maintain the most advanced air traffic612control capabilities in the world. I was informed that more than 90613percent of the FAA's $6B annual modernization budget is consumed with614the maintenance and sustainability of the old system, leaving virtually615nothing for real modernization investment.616    President Trump has provided us with a vision. Secretary Duffy and617the team have been working diligently on defining the plan and the618workforce surge. If confirmed, I will work closely with this Committee619to articulate our strategy to competently execute the plan. I will work620closely with the professional men and women at the FAA to provide the621leadership necessary to execute the President's vision to build a new,622best-in-class, air traffic control system, and to rectify the chronic623understaffing at our Nation's air centers. To accomplish this, we624cannot repeat the mistakes of the past by accepting half measures.625    Equally important to me is to reinvigorate the safety culture at626the FAA; to become proactive and fully invested in a vibrant SMS627culture. I seek transparency, frequent communication, and radical628accountability to rebuild trust among all our aviation stakeholders and629our FAA workforce.630    I hope this will be a bipartisan effort: a shared commitment to631restoring uncompromising safety, fidelity, and reliability to our632National Airspace System.633    Together we can design and build a new system that will allow the634emergence of new technologies such as drones and electric vertical take635off and landing aircraft to be safely introduced into the NAS and to636usher in a new era of innovation and opportunity for American aviation.637    Should the Senate choose to confirm me as the next FAA638Administrator, I pledge to work collaboratively and transparently with639this Committee, and to communicate frequently and candidly about the640agency's challenges, and our strategy to overcome them. Most641importantly, I pledge to uphold the sacred trust placed in us by the642American people.643    I welcome your support and your questions. Thank you.644                                 ______645646                      a. biographical information647    1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Bryan Keith648Bedford.649    2. Position to which nominated: Administrator, Federal Aviation650Administration.651    3. Date of Nomination: March 17, 2025.652    4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):653654        Residence: Information not released to the public.655        Office: Information not provided.656657    5. Date and Place of Birth: October 26, 1961; Clearwater, Florida.658    6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your659spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your660children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).661662        Maria Richelle Bedford, homemaker663664        Hunter Gale Bedford, age 31665666        Elaina Teresa (Bedford) Salcedo, age 30667668        Olivia Nicole (Bedford) Koch, age 28669670        Logan Michael Bedford, age 26671672        Jacob Richard Bedford, age 23673674        Peter Joseph Bedford, age 21675676        Amelia Rachel Bedford, age 19677678    7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not679you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the680institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of681the degree.682683        Polk Community College, Fall 1979 to Spring 1981684                Associates in Arts Degree685686        Florida State University, Summer 1983 to Spring 1985687                Bachelors Degree in Business with majors in accounting688                and finance689690        Florida State University, Graduate School of Business691                Attended graduate classes in accounting, Summer 1985 to692                Spring 1986693694        University of South Florida, Graduate School of Business695                Attended graduate classes in accounting, Summer 1986696                Note: per FL law, I needed to obtain 30 hours of697                graduate level study in order to sit for the CPA exam.698699        University of Minnesota, Executive Masters Program, December700        1996701702    8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,703name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all704management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to705the position for which you are nominated.706707        Staff Accountant, Peat Marwick Main (KPMG), May 1986-Sep 1987708709        Financial Controller, Continental Express, Sep 1987-Aug 1988710711        Vice President, Finance Aspen Airways, Aug 1988-Jan 1990712713        Chief Financial Officer, West Air, Jan 1990-Mar 1992714715        Chief Financial Officer, Phoenix Airline Services, Mar 1992-Oct716        1993717718        Chief Executive Officer, Business Express Airlines, Oct 1993-719        Jul 1995720721        Chief Executive Officer, Mesaba Airlines, Jul 1995-June 1999722723        Chief Executive Officer, Republic Airways, Jul 1999to724        present\1\725---------------------------------------------------------------------------726    \1\ Pursuant to my position as CEO of Republic Airways Holdings,727Inc, I currently serve as Chairman and CEO of the following entities:728Republic Airways Inc.; Lynx Aviation, Inc.; Republic Airways Services,729Inc.; Carmel Finance 2015 LLC; Brickyard Lane Holding LLC; 1 Brickyard730Lane LLC; 25 Brickyard Lane LLC; Leadership In Flight Training Academy731LLC; LIFT Aircraft LLC; LIFT Maintenance LLC; Lynx Connection LLC; and732Brickyard Connection, LLC.733734---------------------------------------------------------------------------735        President and CEO, Frontier Airlines, Sep 2009-Dec 2013736737        President and CEO, Midwest Express, Jul 2009-Feb 2011738739    9. Attach a copy of your resume.740    See Attachment A741    10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time742service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other743than those listed above after 18 years of age.744745        Member, Future Aviation Advisory Committee May 2010-April 2011746        Chair of the Environment subcommittee747748    11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,749partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any750corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,751educational, or other institution.752753        Vice President, Finance, Aspen Airways754755        Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, West Air756757        Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Phoenix758        Airline Services759760        President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Express761        Airlines762763        President and Chief Executive Officer and Director, Mesaba764        Airlines765766        President and Chief Executive Officer and Director, Republic767        Airways\2\768---------------------------------------------------------------------------769    \2\ Pursuant to my position as CEO of Republic Airways Holdings,770Inc, I currently serve as Chairman and CEO of the following entities:771Republic Airways Inc.; Lynx Aviation, Inc.; Republic Airways Services,772Inc.; Carmel Finance 2015 LLC; Brickyard Lane Holding LLC; 1 Brickyard773Lane LLC; 25 Brickyard Lane LLC; Leadership In Flight Training Academy774LLC; LIFT Aircraft LLC; LIFT Maintenance LLC; Lynx Connection LLC; and775Brickyard Connection, LLC.776---------------------------------------------------------------------------777       President and CEO and Director, Frontier Airlines778       President and CEO and Director, Midwest Express779780        Governing Board Member, Guerin Catholic High School781782        Hyannis Air Services, Inc. dba Cape Air, Board Member and Chair783        of the Audit Committee784785    12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or786currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,787political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously788affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization789(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a790religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership791and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note792whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis793of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.794795        Florida State University, Finance Society, Founding President796797        Beta Alpha Psi, accounting fraternity, FSU Chapter798799        Beta Gamma Sigma, International Business Honor Society800801        Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA)802803        American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)804805        Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, Catholic Religious806        Fraternity807808        Guerin Catholic High School, Governing Board Member809810    13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office811(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any812campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are813personally liable for that debt. No.814    14. List all memberships and offices held with and services815rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or816election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid817position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether818compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,819identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year820of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.821    15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign822organization, political party, political action committee, or similar823entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.824825        Young Victory Cmte, March 31, 2021--$11,600826827        Todd Young for Senate, March 31, 2021--$2,900828829        Regional Airline Association, Sept. 5, 2019--$5,000830831        Republican National Cmte, Jan. 4, 2016--$750832833        Republican National Cmte, April 9, 2015--$600834835    16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary836society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition837for outstanding service or achievements.838839        Mesaba Airlines, ATW Regional Airline of the Year, 1997840841        Minneapolis Business Journal 40 under 40 award 1997842843        Mesaba Airlines, CR News, Regional Airline Executive of the844        Year 1997845846        Indianapolis Business Journal 40 under 40 award 2001847848        Chautauqua Airlines, Regional Airline News, Airline of the849        Year, 2003850851        Regional Airline World, Airline Executive of the Year, 2003852853        Chautauqua Airlines, ATW Regional Airline of the Year, 2004854855        Republic Airways, ATW Regional Airline of the Year, 2008856857        Airline Business Executive Strategy Award, 2008858859        E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year, Regional Award, 2010860861        MIRA--Large Enterprise of the Year, 2020862863        Indiana 250 honoree, 2023864865        Indiana 250 honoree, 2024866867        MIRA--Technology Company of the Year, 2025868869    17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,870Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,871individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when872possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the873publication when available. None.874    18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,875PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for876which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when877possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the878speech or presentation when available.879    See Attachment B880    19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten881years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and882television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position883for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to884each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a885digital copy of the statement when available.886    See Attachment B887    20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other888digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated889an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your890name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',891including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used892on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,893deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.894    I am only on Linkedin under Bryan Bedford895    21. Identify each instance in which you have testified orally or in896writing before Congress in a governmental or non-governmental capacity897and specify the date, committee, and subject matter of each testimony.898    April 30, 2014, House T&I Aviation Subcommittee. Hearing on Air899Service to Small and Rural Communities. See Attachment C900    22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major901operational objectives of the FAA, what in your background or902employment experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for903appointment to the position for which you have been nominated, and why904do you wish to serve in that position?905    I am an accomplished, senior executive who has significant906experience managing complex organizations. I have a strong track record907of demonstrating success in restructuring and reorganizing people,908processes, and capital to consistently achieve superior operational and909financial performance. The FAA has many reasons to explain its lack of910success in modernizing ATC: lack of budget predictability, lack of911staff resources, onerous agreements, chronic age of the facilities, and912obsolescence of the currently employed telecommunications technology.913However, the root cause of FAA's inability to complete its mission to914modernize air traffic systems and effectively manage safety is the lack915of strategic vision and competent leadership. Unless the root causes916are addressed, the results will continue to be the same.917    After the horrific accident on January 29, 2025, those of us who918are passionate about aviation can no longer afford to sit on the919sidelines as FAA fails to carry out its safety mission. I only needed920one reason to say yes to President Trump: I firmly believe in his921vision for building a new, modernized air traffic control system, not922just incremental changes. I believe both the President and the923Secretary of Transportation are very serious about wanting to build924this system for the American public: quickly, effectively, and925efficiently. I believe I can help make a positive difference.926    23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to927ensure that the FAA has proper management and accounting controls, and928what experience do you have in managing a large organization?929    My primary responsibility will be to execute the President's and930Secretary Duffy's vision of creating a new, state-of-the-art air931traffic control system--a system that is safe, reliable, efficient,932well-staffed and scalable--to meet the needs of its more than one933billion airline passengers that rely on the system each year. Airlines934for America estimates that 5 percent of GDP, or nearly $1.5 trillion of935the U.S. economy, is derived from air travel and related services. Most936local communities believe that access to air travel is one of, if not937the most, important factor in their quality of life; it is the economic938life blood of their communities. The stakes are high. Acting together939with the Administration, Congress, our controllers, industry940stakeholders, and technology partners, we can:941942   Build a superior safety system;943944   Properly staff it;945946   Be good stewards of taxpayer resources;947948   Provide congress with radical transparency, accountability,949        and engagement; and950951   Drive new efficiencies and scalability which will reduce952        future costs.953954    Working together, we have a unique opportunity to build a new955system that not only meets the needs of the traveling public but will956do so in a cost-efficient manner. This does not require a Manhattan957project or moonshot approach to solve our problems.958    The new ATC system will enable the agency to design the NAS to959accommodate emerging, innovative technologies, such as drones and Urban960Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles. Without redesigning the NAS and re-961equipping ATC, innovation in aviation will continue to be delayed.962Hybrid electric vehicles will be a key disruptive technology that963allows us to reconnect dozens of rural communities that have been964disconnected from our Nation's air transportation system. Our NAS must965be ready to safely integrate their future deployment.966    Equally important is the need to urgently address the agency's967reactive safety culture. I will refocus the agency to a proactive968safety culture based on enhanced safety management systems (SMS) across969the spans and layers of the organization, collaboration, transparent970communication, front line engagement, and accountability. Working with971the Secretary, we will clearly set the agency's mission priorities and972develop appropriate metrics to measure our progress toward real goal973attainment. If confirmed, I look forward to collaborating with this974Committee on setting the FAA's future Flight Plan.975    Finally, it is the Administrator's responsibility to efficiently976staff the ATC system. Staffing challenges have plagued the agency for977nearly a decade and yet we have almost nothing to show for past efforts978to address staffing shortages. I know something about overcoming979serious staffing challenges. Over the past seven years, Republic980Airways has invested over $100M to build our advanced flight training981academy: LIFT. In doing so we are now self-sufficient for future982qualified first officers. We have turned a chronic industry pilot983shortage into a true competitive advantage. I am confident the FAA can984use many of the same strategies to solve the chronic controller985shortage under my leadership.986    24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the987FAA, and why?988989  1.  Trust--There is a profound lack of trust with and within the990        agency. Part of this is due to an unwieldy organizational991        structure with unnecessary spans, layers, and silos which makes992        responsibility opaque and accountability difficult at best.993        There is also a lack of trust outside the agency, with994        Congress, with OMB, and throughout the user community. Much of995        this can be traced to failures like Max certification996        oversight, the chronically delayed NextGen implementation, and997        continued controller shortages. However, the primary cause is a998        culture problem. Innovation always entails some amount of risk-999        taking (not every seemingly good idea actually works as1000        initially planned). There appears to be no incentive for anyone1001        at FAA to take any innovation risk for fear that it could fail.1002        You could say there was an ``if it ain't broke, don't fix it''1003        attitude, but that has morphed into a quiet resignation that1004        ``we can't fix it, but we can do our very best to make the1005        system work safely today'' mindset. Ensuring the safety and the1006        modernization of our Air Traffic Control system is too critical1007        to continue down the same path.10081009  2.  Transparency--The lack of trust makes many managers at FAA1010        reluctant to speak up for fear of retribution. Why take that1011        risk when you do not trust the culture? A malaise has set in1012        whereby managers believe the agency is helpless to make the1013        necessary changes, and furthermore, they rationalize it isn't1014        really their fault. The best they can do is fight every day to1015        make the current system limp along safely. All energy is1016        focused on today and nothing remains to think about tomorrow.1017        The lack of transparency and trust leads Congress to pass a1018        1,000-page bill that is filled with very prescriptive1019        directives and hard deadlines for implementation. When those1020        hard deadlines are missed, more trust is lost, and finally1021        inertia sets in. Inertia permeates the agency presently. Having1022        said that, I believe there are very good, hardworking1023        professionals at the FAA that want to improve the agency's1024        performance, which gets us to the last and maybe most important1025        challenge.10261027  3.  Leadership--In the last 25 years, the FAA has had 51028        Administrators and 6 Acting Administrators. The average tenure1029        of the 5 Administrators is less than 3 years. Below the1030        Administrator, there are 8-9 senior leadership positions. Those1031        positions tend to turn over more frequently than the1032        Administrator role. Suffice to say, the lack of steady and1033        qualified leadership helps to explain the lack of any coherent1034        strategy or vision for the agency. Winning organizations have1035        strong, principled leadership--leadership that develops and1036        promotes a consistent vision and strategy, as well as mission1037        priorities and guiding principles that tend to permeate1038        successful organizations. To be successful and effective, the1039        FAA needs this type of leadership. I believe I can help provide1040        this leadership. Ideally, this will be a bipartisan effort.1041                   b. potential conflicts of interest1042    1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation1043agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,1044clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement1045accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.1046    If confirmed, I will still have a small equity stake in Republic1047Airways. I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and the1048Department of Transportation (DOT) Designated Agency Ethics Official in1049regard to this interest, and it will be addressed in the terms of the1050ethics agreement I will enter into with the DOT Designated Agency1051Ethics Official, which will be provided to this Committee. I will also1052maintain two 401K retirement accounts from both Republic and Endeavor.1053    2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,1054to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,1055association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,1056please explain. No.1057    3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other1058relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in1059the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will1060resolve each potential conflict of interest.1061    In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with1062the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation1063(DOT) Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts1064of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved1065consistent with the terms of an ethics agreement I will enter into with1066the DOT Designated Agency Ethics Official, which will be provided to1067this Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of1068interest.1069    4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial1070transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for1071yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in1072any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the1073position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve1074each potential conflict of interest.1075    In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with1076the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation1077(DOT) Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts1078of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved1079consistent with the terms of an ethics agreement I will enter into with1080the DOT Designated Agency Ethics Official, which will be provided to1081this Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of1082interest.1083    5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain1084how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.1085    In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with1086the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation1087(DOT) Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts1088of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved1089consistent with the terms of an ethics agreement I will enter into with1090the DOT Designated Agency Ethics Official, which will be provided to1091this Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of1092interest.1093    6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the1094names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the1095purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or1096modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and1097execution of law or public policy.1098    In that timeframe, I have been active on the Hill in service to1099Republic Airways and working with the Regional Airline Association1100industry advocacy group.1101                            c. legal matters1102    1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,1103professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a1104complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special1105Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary1106committee, or other professional group?1107    No.1108    If yes:11091110  a.  Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or1111        group;11121113  b.  Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or1114        personnel action was issued or initiated;11151116  c.  Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or1117        personnel action;11181119  d.  Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,1120        complaint, or personnel action.11211122    2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by1123any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,1124State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for1125a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.1126    3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were1127an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency1128proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please1129explain.11301131        Williams v. Republic Airway Holdings11321133        Axar Master Fund, Ltd. V. Bedford11341135        International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division v.1136        Frontier Airlines Inc., Republic Airways Holdings Inc.,1137        Fapainvest LLC, Frontier Airlines Pilots Association11381139        Golden v. Chautauqua Airlines11401141   Int'l Bhd. of Teamsters v. Republic Airways Inc.11421143   International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 357 v.1144        Republic Airways Inc.11451146   Republic Airways Inc. v. International Brotherhood of1147        Teamsters, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 357.114811494.  Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo1150            contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor1151            traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.1152    5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual1153assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,1154race, religion, whistleblower activity, or any other basis? If so,1155please explain. No.1156    6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,1157favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in1158connection with your nomination. None.1159                     d. relationship with committee1160    1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/1161corporation complies with deadlines for information set by1162congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/1163corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information1164from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in1165the minority?1166    Yes, I will ensure that my office responds, timely, to such1167requests for information as appropriate.1168    2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/1169corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and1170whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.1171    3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested1172witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with1173firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee?1174    Yes, I will ensure the agency provides witnesses as appropriate.1175    4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly1176constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be1177reasonably requested to do so? Yes.1178    5. Do you agree, if confirmed, to keep this Committee, its1179subcommittees, other appropriate Committees of Congress, and their1180respective staffs apprised of new information that materially impacts1181the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports, records--including1182documents and electronic communications, and other information you or1183your organization previously provided?1184    Yes, I will ensure that my office keeps the Committee appraised as1185appropriate.1186    6. Do you agree, if confirmed, and on request, to provide this1187Committee and its subcommittees with records and other information1188within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent a formal Committee1189request?1190    Yes, I will ensure my office responds as appropriate.1191                                 ______11921193[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]11941195    The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Bedford. As I mentioned in my1196opening statement, no FAA Administrator has served the full 51197year term since Administrator Michael Huerta left in 2018.1198    The past two Senate confirmed Administrators left early,1199requiring Acting Administrators to serve, including for nearly120018 months, under the Biden Administration. If confirmed, will1201you commit to providing the FAA with stable leadership and to1202serving the full 5 year term?1203    Mr. Bedford. Mr. Chairman, I couldn't agree with you more1204that the inconsistency in leadership and the turnover that we1205have suffered over the last 25 years has to change. And I am1206committed to you, to this committee, to serving the full 5 year1207term.1208    The Chairman. Terrific, thank you. The commercial space1209launch industry is critical to our national space program, to1210national security, and global competitiveness. In the last few1211years, we have seen a massive surge in the demand for FAA1212licensed commercial space launches, with more than 200 launches1213per year expected in the near future, which will add1214considerable strain to the airspace system.1215    Nearly every user of the National Airspace System pays1216something back into the system to help cover their operational1217costs. Yet under current law, space launch companies do not,1218and there is no mechanism for them to pay even if they wish to.1219    The reconciliation text that this committee released last1220week creates a phased-in approach for commercial space1221companies over a period of 10 years to begin paying a user fee1222on FAA licensed launches and reentries.1223    As commercial spaceflight expands rapidly, so does its1224impact on the FAA's ability to operate the national airspace1225system. This proposal accounts for that. Provided that there is1226an on-ramp, should commercial space companies pay to offset1227some of these costs?1228    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Chairman Cruz. I1229certainly don't want to get ahead of the Administration on1230policy issues, but I will confirm you are exactly right.1231Airline users, passengers, and airlines themselves pay1232significant taxes.1233    And as I said in my opening statement, those taxes are1234designed to modernize our NAS. And one of the things that is1235absolutely critical in modernization is making sure we design a1236NAS that can accommodate an increased cadence in space launch.1237So, I certainly support where you are going with that.1238    The Chairman. Thank you. Last week, President Trump issued1239Executive Orders to advance the integration of new aviation1240technology such as drones, air taxis, and commercial supersonic1241aircraft into the airspace.1242    I have long advocated for the FAA to take steps to move1243these technologies forward, including in last year's FAA1244reauthorization by creating the Center for Advanced Aviation1245Technologies.1246    Secretary Duffy recently selected a consortium led by Texas1247A&M to manage the Center in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex,1248with testing corridors located throughout Texas. Will you1249commit to leveraging existing resources at the FAA, including1250the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies, to implement1251President Trump's recently issued Executive Orders?1252    Mr. Bedford. Well, despite my connections as an alumni of1253Florida State University, I would be more than happy to work1254with the folks at Texas A&M. I think research and design is1255critical. Technologies are moving at light speed now. And what1256we can allow is for the FAA to hold it up. We need to be part1257of the innovation and not part of the problem.1258    The Chairman. Thank you. In January, as we all know, an1259Army Blackhawk helicopter conducting a nighttime training1260flight collided with American Airlines Flight 5342, which was1261on final approach to DCA.1262    All 67 passengers and crew on board both aircraft were1263killed. In the months since the crash, we have learned more1264about the poor design of the airspace that created an1265``intolerable risk to aviation safety'' according to the NTSB.1266    Republic Airways is one of the top regional carriers at1267DCA, and indeed had a flight involved in a go-around involving1268military aircraft earlier this year. If confirmed, what actions1269would you take specifically to improve the coordination between1270the military and the FAA, especially around DCA?1271    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Chairman Cruz.1272First, I would like to congratulate both yourself and Ranking1273Member Cantwell on your recent introduction of legislation to1274demand the investigation from both the Army IG, as well as the1275Inspector General.1276    We need to shine a light on this. Transparency is going to1277help us find permanent solutions in terms of how we are1278managing the NAS. You are correct, at Republic Airways, we1279operate almost 150 movements a day.1280    Here at Reagan National we have had multiple, you know,1281resolution advisories. Three, frankly, since the 29th of1282January. So, the problems persist, and more work needs to be1283done.1284    The Chairman. In May, Secretary Duffy announced his plan to1285modernize the air traffic system. This committee will provide1286the FAA with over $12 billion for the most urgently needed1287improvements, such as replacing the outdated telecommunications1288infrastructure that broke down and has caused persistent issues1289at Newark International Airport.1290    What specific accountability mechanisms would you implement1291to ensure that the FAA is successful in this modernization1292effort? And additionally, how would you track and verify that1293real progress is being made?1294    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Chairman1295Cruz. I think in all of our office visits, and we talked about1296this, you know, the accountability is going to be top of mind.1297And if confirmed, I will be the chief accountability officer1298here.1299    On the one hand, I could tell you we have an opportunity to1300bring commercial practices into the FAA in terms of how we run1301a competition using American manufacturers to take technology1302that exists today, not moonshot technology, but things that we1303are installing in Dubai today, making Dubai the world class1304aviation system.1305    That technology needs to be deployed here, and it needs to1306be deployed now. So I hope we can work on a bipartisan way. We1307will develop the plan, the strategy to execute it. We will1308develop a project management plan with clear lines of sight on1309the deliverables and the commitments that we will contractually1310demand of our commercial partners in installing the NAS.1311    I will say this, just as an area of concern that I have had1312through my diligence in this process. Our procurement process1313needs to change. We need to think more commercially. The men1314and women at the FAA are telling me that if we run the normal1315commercial process, we are going to be 3 years before we see1316anything showing up in the airspace.1317    And I think in deference to the families that are with us1318today, we owe it to them to move quicker.1319    The Chairman. I fully agree with that. And thank you for1320your leadership and willingness to serve. With that, I1321recognize Ranking Member Cantwell.1322    Senator Cantwell. Thank you. Mr. Bedford, we had a1323conversation in my office about SMS in general. And do you1324believe that the FAA should have a real SMS system for1325themselves?1326    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Ranking1327Member Cantwell. Thank you for the time in your office and the1328substantive conversation that we had. And thank you, sincerely,1329for showing leadership last year, coming out to visit us at the1330LIFT Academy.1331    So, thank you for all of that. I will tell you that SMS is1332truly the lifeblood. And I am sure you know that it was in the1333Aviation Safety Act that we mandated SMS for all commercial1334Part 121 carriers. So, that became the standard, which I think1335moved the needle on aviation safety in a significant way.1336    Senator Cantwell. Well, it has to be implemented. And we1337definitely have a General Counsel who definitely shortchanged1338it in the first Trump Administration, and I have a fear he is1339going to shortchange it in this one. So my point is, you and I1340talked about there is two different SMS systems within the FAA.1341    Given the accidents that have happened with both the MAX1342and this, I think it proves that both of those systems aren't1343really working. Is that just your viewpoint? Is that your1344viewpoint that there is something wrong with the SMS that the1345FAA is using today, if we have had these two horrific1346accidents, or actually three if you include both MAX accidents?1347    Mr. Bedford. So, I think we are all aligned on that1348something is amiss.1349    Senator Cantwell. OK.1350    Mr. Bedford. I think believe that the SMS system at the FAA1351needs a radical overhaul. I think we can do it.1352    Our arch enemy here is complacency, you know, not having1353SMS in a binder on a shelf somewhere, but actively, daily1354utilizing SMS and safety risk management assessments as we are1355looking at change.1356    Change itself is not bad. We shouldn't resist change and1357hide behind a shield of----1358    Senator Cantwell. So you will help enforce the--I have so1359many of the safety questions----1360    Mr. Bedford. No, go ahead. Sorry.1361    Senator Cantwell. Sorry. So you will help enforce1362manufacturers to use SMS. You will help get a better SMS system1363at the FAA?1364    Mr. Bedford. As we discussed, it is a key tool to actually1365doing the job right the first time.1366    Senator Cantwell. OK. 1,500-hour rule. There is a lot of1367concerns because you worked for a company, you were part of a1368lobbying effort. You came here and tried to change this rule.1369What are you going to do in your term, a full 5 year term as my1370colleague is suggesting that--you know, I am all for1371consistency at the FAA.1372    We have got a big job here. What are you saying that you1373will do to recuse yourself from a 1,500-hour rule that you as1374Administrator could initiate? So during your term, will you1375initiate such rule?1376    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator Cantwell.1377I am sure I am going to get that question multiple times today,1378and I am looking forward to actually, you know, clarifying the1379record on that.1380    But I can tell you, the President's vision right now and1381what we have discussed is the urgent need to modernize the air1382traffic control system, fix the FAA staffing shortages, and1383redesign the NAS for emerging technologies and innovation. So,1384that will be my uncompromising focus.1385    Senator Cantwell. I get that. I get that and I appreciate1386that. But people are going to want to know. Families who have1387lost loved ones because of the safety implementations that have1388taken place, they want to know whether you are going to lead1389any effort to change that rule while you are Administrator? So1390you can think about it some more for the record and you can1391give us a firm written answer. But I think a lot will be1392depending on that answer.1393    Mr. Bedford. I appreciate that.1394    Senator Cantwell. Because people--you helped fund and1395lobbied for a change for it, so----1396    Mr. Bedford. Well, if we have time, I can respond to that1397now.1398    Senator Cantwell. Yes, but could I ask you something else1399first, and then we can go back to that?1400    Mr. Bedford. Go ahead, of course.1401    Senator Cantwell. A very important issue we also discussed1402in my office is the C band, high C band sale that my colleague1403and others are proposing as part of this bill. And last time we1404ran into a lot of interference on that. So we have joint1405studies that say this is a safety issue. What is your view?1406    Mr. Bedford. Well, my view is I am not informed enough to1407formulate an opinion. I can tell you from a past experience, we1408felt very rushed in terms of spectrum sales and rolling out the1409technology.1410    So I hope we have learned some lessons from the past and1411will be much more collaborative and coordinated before we1412simply execute a plan. We need to ensure that the aircraft are1413operated safely within our Nation's airspace systems,1414especially Class B airspace at congested airports.1415    Senator Cantwell. Well, what is going to happen if this1416goes into effect?1417    Mr. Bedford. Well, honestly, again, I don't know where the1418spectrum bands are, so I can't speak, you know, competently1419about the issue. I can tell you were concerned----1420    Senator Cantwell. Well, we had a very different1421conversation in my office. And you told me that the last1422interference was a big problem, and you tell me that this would1423be a big problem.1424    Mr. Bedford. And so----1425    Senator Cantwell. And so I just--I need consistency because1426it follows the 1,500-hour thing. You can say now I am not going1427to do 1,500 hours, but if you get in there and then you get1428pressured and you do 1,500-hour changes, it is a different1429story.1430    And on this, in my office, you clearly said there were1431interference issues. It was a mess. And you definitely didn't1432want to have future altimeter problems. We can't have sale of1433spectrum and then have altimeter interruptions or problems. We1434need to work cohesively on test bedding these issues.1435    Mr. Bedford. I couldn't agree more.1436    Senator Cantwell. OK. So, do you have concerns that this is1437premature to move this without that test bedding?1438    Mr. Bedford. The record is clear, we had significant1439challenges with the last spectrum rollout. We had interference1440with radio altimeters. We needed to invest in our aircraft with1441filters to make sure that they could operate safely. I said for1442the record that we should learn those lessons of the past and1443act more collaboratively rolling out. So, I am advocating----1444    Senator Cantwell. Well, we are not--we are not acting1445collaboratively right now. I can tell you that. OK, so I see my1446time has expired. I do want to clarify. You are for us closing1447the ADS-B loopholes, right, and moving forward on ADS-B In and1448Out? As part of next gen, the whole system, you are for moving1449forward?1450    Mr. Bedford. I am supportive of ADS-B In and ADS-B like1451technologies that put more control in the cockpit, alerting our1452pilots of traffic that is impending in their areas, yes. And1453that would be including requiring our military operators and1454aerospace to also operate visibly.1455    Senator Cantwell. And ADB-S Out, too. Just in the1456transmission, making sure they do both.1457    Mr. Bedford. Out and TCAS and making sure that our1458warfighters' equipment is also properly maintained and working1459on both TCAS and ADS-B In and Out.1460    Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1461    The Chairman. I would note, Mr. Bedford, that Senator1462Cantwell asked a series of questions about spectrum auction.1463And Senator Cantwell has previously stated that this1464committee's spectrum pipeline language would require the FCC to1465auction at least 100 megahertz in the upper C band, which is14663.98 to 4.2 gigahertz. That is true.1467    What is not true is the claim that this poses a risk to1468aviation safety. First, the language provides 2 years for an1469auction to occur. Ample time, especially since the FCC has1470already begun work on this band. And second, the bill requires1471auctioning less than half of the spectrum in the band, giving1472the FCC and industry significant flexibility to avoid any1473adverse impact on aviation.1474    The lower C band, 3.7 to 3.98 gigahertz, which was1475auctioned a few years ago for 5G use, did prompt concerns about1476interference with radio altimeters. But despite this, there was1477no widespread disruptions or accidents. Mitigation efforts1478worked. That episode forced the FAA, the FCC, NTIA, and DOD,1479and industry to collaborate closely, and it worked.1480    That coordination set a model for future spectrum decisions1481that is incorporated into this committee's bill, transparency,1482urgency, mutual respect, and problem solving. Spectrum policy1483is not putting aviation safety at risk. On the contrary, the1484broader bill's FAA modernization funding will enhance it.1485Senator Fischer.1486    Senator Cantwell. Can I just say, Mr. Chairman, that you1487brought up serving 5 years. And it was shortly after this1488debacle that Mr. Dixon decided, I have had enough.1489    And I think the fact that he tried to negotiate in the1490first--you know, the first time this came through, and people1491couldn't negotiate, and people didn't negotiate.1492    And the telcos just ran over the aviation sector, and the1493White House tried to mitigate it, and Steve Dixon more or less1494threw up his hands. So, we have got to get this right. Thank1495you, Mr. Chairman.1496    The Chairman. Senator Fischer.14971498                STATEMENT OF HON. DEB FISCHER,1499                   U.S. SENATOR FROM NEBRASKA15001501    Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Bedford,1502welcome. Good to see you. Thank you for putting yourself1503forward for this important position and going through this1504confirmation process.1505    I appreciate it. While this committee is prioritizing1506providing the necessary investment to overhaul our air traffic1507control systems, we know that funding alone is not going to1508solve the problem.1509    Senators Shaheen, Lujan, Homan, and myself were successful1510in getting our legislation, the Air Traffic Controller1511Workforce Transparency Act, included in the recent FAA1512Reauthorization Act.1513    The bill requires FAA to provide Congress with detailed1514data on air traffic controlled staffing. What policies do you1515see as being necessary in order to improve that staffing?1516    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator Fischer.1517It is a key element of my thought process going into the FAA.1518As I mentioned in my opening statement, the President gave me1519an opportunity to do some diligence before accepting the1520nomination. And in talking with the team at the FAA, the1521leaders that we have there, obviously staffing is an issue.1522    But when you try to understand what tools they have in1523order to assess their staffing needs and to optimize the1524workforce, their productivity, and have adequate reserve1525levels, there just isn't much there. The coverage is pretty1526bare when it comes to how we are scheduling the 17,0001527controllers and supervisors in our Nation's air center.1528    So, I think there is some low hanging fruit there that we1529can use to improve the tools that the FAA has to manage1530staffing, manage our productivity, manage our reserve coverage1531in a way that might close some of these gaps.1532    Clearly that has to be done in concert with growing the1533staff and make sure that we are utilizing all the resources1534that we have to train controllers of the future.1535    Senator Fischer. I look forward to working with you on1536being able to meet the needs that we have when it comes to our1537controllers.1538    Mr. Bedford. Yes, ma'am.1539    Senator Fischer. Mr. Bedford, aviation manufacturing and1540maintenance is a prominent industry in the State of Nebraska1541with $2.7 billion in economic output in my state.1542    These companies are dependent on the FAA to ensure adequate1543safety, oversight of aircraft, and enable products to get to1544market in the international marketplace. I would like to1545understand your thoughts about the importance of the workforce1546and resources for the FAA's Aviation Safety Office, which is1547responsible for the oversight of manufacturing and maintenance.1548    Given your experience in the industry, can you elaborate on1549why this activity is important to innovation, competitiveness,1550and leadership for the United States in this area?1551    Mr. Bedford. Absolutely, thank you for the question.1552    Senator Fischer. We discussed it a little in the office,1553but----1554    Mr. Bedford. We did, and I really----1555    Senator Fischer. I think people need to hear this.1556    Mr. Bedford. I appreciate the time that you offered. As1557Chairman Cruz mentioned, we have made significant investments1558over the last seven to eight years in our LIFT Academy.1559    Not solely developed or focused on pilot development, but1560also focused on maintenance technician development. One of the1561challenges--I think we have two challenges, frankly, that we1562had to overcome in Indiana. We had to work with our high school1563guidance counselors to stop saying college, 4 years in1564universities are your only pathway to success. They are not.1565    Vocational jobs, technical jobs that we have in airframe1566power plant and technical positions are highly skilled and1567highly remunerative positions. And so, we took matters into our1568own hands and created an Earn to Learn ab initio program for1569maintenance technicians. It is a three-year long journey, but1570we pay young men and women to come. And it is $17 an hour. It1571is not great money, but it is earn to learn.1572    There is a model there that works. There are kids that are1573technically skilled, great with their hands, have a passion for1574aviation, and can serve in so many, whether it is1575manufacturing, whether it is actually in a hanger for us,1576whether it is in aviation instruction. There is just so many1577opportunities for growth and well-paying jobs. So, I do believe1578the FAA can help lead in workforce development.1579    Senator Fischer. Very good. In the 2024 reauthorization, it1580included a language that I championed to require the FAA to1581create a public facing portal so applicants can track the1582status of their certification requirements, their applications.1583    This portal was designed to improve transparency and help1584address growing stakeholder concerns over a very long and I1585would say somewhat opaque certification process. Do you see1586this as an important tool for rebuilding the industry's trust1587in that process?1588    And if confirmed, will you prioritize completion of the1589portal and ensure that FAA meets that 30-month timeline for1590delivering a recommendation?1591    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator Fischer.1592You could apply that same transparency across so many domains1593at the FAA. Talk about medical licensing. We have so many crews1594in our airline republic that have medical issues, as an1595example, and they go into a laborious process with no1596transparency, and I don't know what level of accountability1597either.1598    And they are essentially unable to earn income while they1599are waiting for their medicals to be reinstated. So I think,1600again, if we can figure out--if Domino's can figure how to show1601you where your pizza is in the delivery cycle, we should be1602able to figure out how to communicate with stakeholders,1603including our user customers on where they are with medical1604situations, licensing situations.1605    But in fairness to the agency, there is a million of these1606different licenses around there. So, I don't----1607    Senator Fischer. I would think in a 30-month timeline,1608though, to get this up and running, and make sure it can work,1609that you could have like a basic plan, a basic recipe, no1610matter how many different applications it is going to apply to.1611    Mr. Bedford. I think that is exactly right. The application1612can work across these domains. So we can get it right once and1613then apply it across the agency.1614    Senator Fischer. There you go. Thank you.1615    Mr. Bedford. Thank you.1616    Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1617    The Chairman. Senator Kim.16181619                  STATEMENT OF HON. ANDY KIM,1620                  U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY16211622    Senator Kim. Thank you, Chairman. Mr. Bedford, thanks for1623coming on out. You know, in my home state in New Jersey, the1624top issue when it comes to the issues we are talking about here1625is still about Newark Airport.1626    If you are confirmed, you would be coming in as we are1627rapidly trying to build solutions to be able to give assurances1628to the people, not just of New Jersey but around the country,1629and frankly internationally, that are transiting through.1630    Can I get your assurance that this would be a top priority1631for you if you are confirmed and sworn into the job?1632    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator Kim. And1633especially thank you for the time that we had in your office.1634It was, I thought, a thoughtful and robust conversation. Like1635Reagan National, Republic is a huge user of the airspace at1636Newark. And I have to tell you, April and May were really,1637really tough months for us.1638    In full disclosure, the industry works collaboratively with1639the FAA to ask how the agency is staffed and if it can manage1640the schedules that we would prefer to fly, and they will tell1641us, no, we can't do that.1642    We want you to schedule this. So there is a lot of1643transparency and cooperation going on there. So it is really1644unfortunate for us when we schedule flights and then we can't1645deliver for the American traveler for holidays, weddings. We1646had two folks I know that couldn't get to where they needed to1647go for a family wedding. It is not acceptable.1648    So, I will absolutely pledge to work collaboratively with1649you, with this committee, to make sure that the FAA is working1650with our industry partners, proactively managing this1651situation.1652    Senator Kim. Thank you. No, look, I think that is important1653and I would love to be able to engage with you because, you1654know, I went out to the Philly TRACON, out to Newark Airport,1655but when I tried to follow up with the FAA and have a briefing1656from them to go through some of what I heard about, I will be1657honest with you, we haven't heard back still.1658    You know, that was what? Looking at my records, May 21st1659that we put in a request for a briefing from FAA. So I guess I1660just want to ask you, you know, if you are in the seat, you1661know, do you promise that you are going to work with this1662committee and also be able to address issues of individual1663Senators, especially when there are particularly challenging1664issues within their home state?1665    Mr. Bedford. I can absolutely commit to that and also1666commit to reducing the number of times we will have to have1667those conversations.1668    Senator Kim. Great, thank you.1669    One thing that we talked about when we had our1670conversation, I asked you what your position on the debate1671about privatizing the FAA and the air traffic control system. I1672just wanted to see if you could elucidate that for the public1673here.1674    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, sir. I hope I am1675not telling stories out of school, but when I met with the1676President in the Oval Office, he had asked me if I would ever1677been in the White House before, and I said I actually had. And1678then he asked when, and I said, well, in 2017.1679    And he kind of gave me a look about, well, what were you1680here for? And I said, well that was the last time you announced1681you were going to overhaul the air traffic control system. And1682he kind of chuckled and asked me how did that work out, and it1683didn't work out so well. And if we are honest, it was because1684industry hijacked the conversation and turned it into a1685privatization debate.1686    And we spent three years arguing about privatization, and1687we missed an opportunity to fix the system. We can always have1688a privatization debate, and we should at some point have a1689debate on whatever the merits are for funding continuity and1690visibility in contracting. Now is not the time for that debate.1691    Now is the time to focus on getting the work done for the1692American people to rebuild this system. And that is President1693Trump's vision. That is what--his vision is what motivated me1694to----1695    Senator Kim. So your focus right now is on modernizing, but1696that doesn't necessarily include privatization as part of the1697conversation--right now?1698    Mr. Bedford. If confirmed as FAA--confirmed as the1699Administrator, I will certainly have an opinion and I will be1700willing to share it, but not now. I think now is just not the1701time to have the privatization conversation.1702    Senator Kim. I mean, so much of the conversation we are1703having right now is about safety. And so, two issues I just1704wanted to raise here. First, you know, I talked to you about1705the facility we have in Atlantic City, the Hughes Tech Center.1706Love for you to come down and see it.1707    But I just think that this can play a critical role in1708terms of how we process our thinking in terms moving forward on1709safety. Does that make sense to you? I mean, trying to make1710sure we are mobilizing resources like the Hughes Center to be1711able to push forward and do the testing needed to be able to1712modernize in a safe way.1713    Mr. Bedford. Absolutely. I have to tell you, my eyes have1714been opened about the amount of research capability that we1715have. Texas A&M is an example. You know, the research centers1716in the New Jersey area. I mean, we have a significant--we have1717them right here in McLean with MITRE.1718    So we have got a lot of capability out there, but we need1719to create a strategy on how we are going to work together and1720collaborate. We can't have everybody working on exactly the1721same problem. We have got lot of challenges. Let's get the best1722minds working on it.1723    Senator Kim. One last issue I just want to raise. Last--end1724of last year, we had an issue in New Jersey where there were1725all these reports about drones flying overhead. And there was a1726lot of confusion about it. And frankly, a lot of the sightings1727turned out to be aircraft in the distance or whatnot.1728    And I had talked about--to FAA about this before. There was1729questions about whether or not FAA leveraging technologies like1730remote ID or drone squawking, their location, other things to1731distinguish appropriate versus unauthorized or unsafe use of1732aerospace, especially near critical infrastructure and sites.1733    Do you see a role for the FAA to try to have a greater1734ability for us to distinguish what concerns us and what is1735authorized and not when it comes to drone usage?1736    Mr. Bedford. Yes, sir, I do. I think the FAA has to play a1737critical role in making sure that drones and AMM also integrate1738safely into the NAS. So we need to have a seat at the table. We1739should lead.1740    I think the challenge we have right now is, you know,1741focusing on the NAS and making sure that we can walk and chew1742gum at the same time. That we can successfully, competently1743execute a plan to rebuild the NAS without holding back aviation1744innovation.1745    Senator Kim. Thank you. With that, I yield back.1746    The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Budd.17471748                  STATEMENT OF HON. TED BUDD,1749                U.S. SENATOR FROM NORTH CAROLINA17501751    Senator Budd. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And Mr. Bedford, it1752is great to see you. Enjoyed our conversation in the office a1753few weeks ago. It was great to see your beautiful family here1754as well.1755    You know, I understand there is a lot of folks here who1756have lost loved ones, both at the DCA and the Colgan Air Flight17573407 back in 2009. For those in the D.C., a lot of those were1758Charlotte based flight crew and so we remember them, especially1759me as a North Carolinian.1760    So more than 15 years were between those two tragic1761incidents, and that is a remarkable record of safety. But both1762cases remind us that the work to improve aviation safety, it1763can never stop.1764    I think you have made that evidence in your--evident in1765your comments this morning. Following the loss of Flight 3407,1766Congress passed legislation requiring 1,500 hours of flight1767time before pilots could qualify for their ATP, their air1768transport pilot license.1769    Now, this requirement without a doubt improved aviation1770safety and pilot training, but as a pilot myself I know that1771simply flying in the pattern, or banner towing as some1772mentioned this morning, for over 1,000 hours is not enough. And1773it might even ingrain bad habits and poor technique.1774    So Mr. Bedford, are there any ways that Congress could1775improve the 1,500 hour rule to ensure pilots are not only1776getting enough flight time but high quality training as well?1777You know, there are new technologies that the FAA could1778incorporate into the 1,500-hour requirement.1779    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Senator1780Budd. I do want to just acknowledge, within the Aviation Safety1781Act of 2010, there were many significant movements in aviation1782safety, including requirements of stall ups, upset recognition,1783and recovery training.1784    Probably the most important was combating pilot fatigue1785through very rigorous Part 117 time and duty limitations. We1786also--you legislated requirements for pilot mentoring and pilot1787development and pilot standards. And as I said earlier, that1788was the introduction of the requirement for SMS for Part 1211789airline.1790    So when we think about the Aviation Safety Act of 2010, it1791is just so much richer than just any one of those issues. But I1792have been a supporter of 1,500 hours, contrary to what the--you1793know, some of the press might say, because it did require1794structured training for an ATP, CTP.1795    That requires at least another 30 hours of classroom1796curriculum. It requires at least 10 hours of advanced flight1797simulation training. It requires the successful completion of a1798written exam, and a multi-engine check ride. So I am a big1799supporter of structured training as opposed to pure time1800building.1801    And for the record, the FAA agrees. The FAA promulgated1802multiple pathways under its authority, a 1,250 hour pathway,18031,000 hour pathway, and a 750 hour pathway, because they1804concluded, the data supported that advanced training, and1805structured training produces safer outcomes and more proficient1806pilots.1807    So, my North Star will always be safety. Not equivalent1808safety, but better safety.1809    Senator Budd. Thank you for that. So if you are confirmed,1810you will likely oversee a multi-billion dollar project to1811upgrade and modernize the ATC. That project comes at a time1812when multiple new aviation technologies are scheduled to enter1813the national airspace.1814    There is drones, EVTOLs. They have already begun limited1815operations, and on Friday President Trump signed an Executive1816Order requiring the Administrator to repeal the prohibition on1817overland supersonic flight.1818    I couldn't be more grateful to the President for his1819leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with1820this committee to advance the Supersonic Aviation Modernization1821Act to codify this Executive Action. Mr. Bedford, will you1822commit to implementing the President's Executive Order, if1823confirmed?1824    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator Budd. I1825can tell you I am as excited about anybody about the1826opportunity for the innovation that is happening right here in1827this country and to be a world leader in things like supersonic1828technology and quiet boom technology. It is pretty neat.1829    I have been on the pointy end of the stick on electric1830vertical takeoff and landing planes, flown many of the1831simulators. That is exciting stuff in terms of creating urban1832air mobility.1833    And we haven't talked about it, but reconnecting many of1834our rural communities through, you know, the use of these very1835cost-effective tools--these aircraft to integrate in our NAS.1836So yes, I would absolutely look forward to getting to the fun1837stuff of innovation in America.1838    Senator Budd. Thank you. Boeing's MAX 7, MAX 10, the 777X,1839and the 737-9 are currently in the FAA certification process.1840And Boeing's challenges have been discussed at length in this1841committee, and none of us want to see Boeing or the FAA1842compromise safety and quality.1843    At the same time, Boeing has a half trillion dollars in1844backlog orders for the next 20 years, and China is aggressively1845expanding its aviation manufacturing capabilities. Mr. Bedford,1846how will you ensure that the FAA has the skilled workforce,1847technical capacity, and institutional focus needed to ensure a1848timely and rigorous certification process of these aircraft so1849the U.S. can maintain its lead in aviation manufacturing and1850not lose ground to China?1851    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, sir. I won't1852call myself a certification expert, but I do believe that, you1853know, there have been sadly some really hard lessons learned,1854you know, through the failures of MCAS, as an example, and1855finding the gaps in our certification processes.1856    So sadly, there has been a lot of learning, and it came at1857a steep price. So I look forward to advancing our certification1858technologies, processes, employee development around1859certification, and certainly holding Boeing accountable to1860deliver a high quality product safely, listen to its workforce,1861take the tools that we have to make sure that we are looking at1862defect rates, as an example, as an indicator potentially of1863processes in the manufacturing line.1864    So I do believe there is data that we can use to make1865objective determinations. But we can also help Boeing by not1866simply saying this fails. We can collaborate and tell them1867where the failures are and how, you know, we view remedies that1868can help Boeing move the process along a little bit quicker.1869    Senator Budd. Thank you, Chairman.1870    The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Lujan.1871    Senator Lujan. Mr. Chairman, I would yield to Senator1872Duckworth who was here before I was, boss.1873    The Chairman. All right. Although I will say at least in1874the gavel rule, Senator Fetterman is next on the------1875    Senator Lujan. I am fine with that too, Mr. Chairman.1876    The Chairman. All right. Senator Fetterman.18771878               STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN FETTERMAN,1879                 U.S. SENATOR FROM PENNSYLVANIA18801881    Senator Fetterman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And welcome--1882and welcome. I think I am going to say something again, because1883I think it is absolutely true, it is incredibly, incredibly1884safe to fly in America. Do you agree with that?1885    Mr. Bedford. I do agree with that.1886    Senator Fetterman. Yes. And again, I think, I am an expert1887because I am a consumer. I am at the airport at least I think188848 out of 52 years of the year. Maybe more sometimes. And I1889have a lot of skin in that game, to affirm that. And I know a1890lot of that part of the conversation after that awful tragedy1891in DCA earlier this year.1892    But could you affirm, you know this, that it can be made1893safer--anything can be better. How do you see that, you know,1894trying to balance that, yes, we can make it better, but also1895acknowledging that--I mean, it is a modern marvel, you know, in1896how things are working, and things continue to be incredibly1897safe.1898    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator Fetterman.1899And I hope I get a chance to come visit with you and have a1900more, you know, detailed conversation about this. Republic1901Airways has a huge maintenance base in Pittsburgh.1902    I mean, so we have got routes that go way back to our1903Chautauqua days. I can tell you that the aviation system has1904multiple levels of redundancy, three levels of airspace1905management redundancy, and then the ultimate, you know, final1906level of safeties is in the cockpits with our Nation's well-1907trained aviators.1908    But we shouldn't have to lean into the second, or third, or1909fourth level of redundancy to keep the system moving. The1910system is old. It needs upgrading, massive upgrading. So we1911have to do better. We can do better.1912    There is technologies that exist today. Not theoretical1913development technologies, but stuff that is on the market today1914made by American manufacturers that they are selling abroad.1915And we can induct this technology here at home and establish1916not only a more cost-effective NAS, but a higher reliability1917and a safer NAS.1918    Senator Fetterman. Thank you for that. So my job kind of1919collided yesterday. Homeland security--and we were talking1920about the security about a lot of the international events that1921we are going to be hosting here in our Nation.1922    And then I brought this up, so I am going to bring it up1923today because I think it is really appropriate. Philadelphia,1924in my state of course, is hosting six World Cup matches in the1925next year, coming up to the weeks up until July 4th, which is1926also part of the big 250 birthday party for our Nation.1927    So, millions and millions are coming across all around--1928from the world. And then also for again, for the 250th1929birthday. And now, that has been described as the day before1930Thanksgiving for three months. Is that accurate?1931    Mr. Bedford. The expectation within the industry is we are1932going to see significant volumes, not only through our airport1933terminals, but certainly on our aircraft.1934    Senator Fetterman. Do we feel like we have--we are going to1935have enough time and we can be more supportive to make sure1936that we staffed up and we do the kinds of appropriate changes1937to make that we are able to handle all of that kinds of1938incredible volume?1939    Mr. Bedford. Well, unfortunately, I think the challenge we1940are going to face accommodating all the demand that will be1941there is the fact that the airspace itself is holding us back.1942    We are already oversaturated in terms of commercial demands1943on the system to the point where, as we saw Secretary Duffy's1944re-regulation of slots at Newark. So we are at a point now1945where the air traffic control system itself is holding back1946demand that Americans have to travel.1947    Senator Fetterman. Thank you. So, and my second question--1948and this is absolutely not a dig. It is actually just a sincere1949thing. In 2023, my former colleague, Congressman Cartwright,1950secured a $3 million construction project at the Mount Pocono1951Airport. And it is 2025, and it is still--we haven't had that1952yet.1953    And again, I am not calling anybody on the spot here. It is1954really just a sincere place. And now I refer to him as my1955former, because now it is represented by a Republican, a new1956friend and colleague there.1957    And, you know, it is an important part of the economic1958regional parts of that equation. And it is like--I would love1959to work together with you to--and really--to develop those1960kinds of resources because it is really--it is really--I think1961it is important.1962    Mr. Bedford. I agree with you. And while I am not an expert1963in that particular area of the FAA, I have been watching a lot1964of C-SPAN recently, and I have been watching a lot of hearings,1965and I have heard the Acting Administrator speak on that point.1966They know they need to get caught up, and I believe the agency1967is working diligently to do that.1968    Senator Fetterman. Yes, OK. Thank you. And--thank you, Mr.1969Chairman.1970    The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Young.1971    Senator Young. Mr. Bedford, major U.S. airlines are already1972employing artificial intelligence and machine learning on a1973daily basis to optimize flight operations, streamline1974maintenance, enhance scheduling, and improve overall customer1975service.1976    As the FAA undertakes that complex but necessary task of1977modernizing the national airspace system, the thoughtful1978integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning1979presents perhaps a strategic opportunity to enhance both1980efficiency and safety at the same time.1981    How would you as Administrator work to ensure industry is1982not generally prohibited from voluntary deployment of AI1983solutions in a manner to increase safety or efficiency? So, for1984instance, how AI could be used to better predict stress points1985and airplane diagnostics, or the need for updated technology in1986ATC towers?1987    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator Young. You1988are absolutely correct. There are some marvelous opportunities1989to improve our oversight and surveillance of our aircraft. Most1990of our aircraft today are digital. They are flying computers.1991They have sensors, hundreds of sensors across the aircraft.1992    Managing that data by hand through normal algorithms has1993become increasingly more complex. We are experimenting with the1994use of AI in a targeted way--safe, cyber secure way, and just1995to experiment with its ability to help us predict and refine1996our maintenance plans to make sure we are having higher safety1997and reliability. But there is certainly concern.1998    There is concerns of how well we understand it, how we1999deploy it, how we manage data security. So it is an emerging2000process. I am not an expert in it, but I can tell you the2001industry is beginning to experiment with it, and the FAA needs2002to be, you know, leading on that effort as well.2003    Senator Young. Well, assuming you are confirmed, and I2004believe you will be, I would expect all sorts of technological2005developments in this area and maybe technologies to become2006available in coming months or years that neither you nor I2007could conceive of. So, will you work with this committee and2008other stakeholders to prioritize AI, machine learning solutions2009that might enhance safety and operational efficiency as2010Administrator?2011    Mr. Bedford. Yes, sir.2012    Senator Young. OK. Let me turn to another emerging2013technology. We had an opportunity to discuss this a bit when we2014visited in my office, but it is UAS, or drone technology.2015    As we look at the ban on DJI drones, which I actually think2016was appropriate, we are going to have to look at how to2017dramatically boost our domestic production. It is not enough to2018design the best drones, and we arguably designed some really2019sophisticated ones, but we also have to be able to produce and2020field the best drones.2021    Indiana, our home state, is making great strides in this2022field, as we discussed yesterday. How are you thinking about2023integrating the testing of UAS into the National Airspace2024System?2025    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator. I can2026tell you I have spent a lot of time, both here domestically and2027abroad, looking at these emerging technologies, selfishly for2028how we can utilize them either to advance our flight training2029missions and, or advance our commercial interests.2030    So I am thrilled about the development we are seeing, and I2031am thrilled that a lot of this is actually happening here in2032the States. So it is a fantastic opportunity for us to innovate2033here. I will tell you that we are behind.2034    We are seeing a lot of these rollouts happening now in real2035time. I was in Dublin in January, and this is already2036happening. This isn't new stuff. We are behind. We have to2037recognize we are behind and figure out how we can collaborate2038to jumpstart entrepreneurship here in the United States.2039    Senator Young. Well, I agree. And to the extent that having2040a stable and clear regulatory atmosphere around UAS is2041fundamental to continued development and ultimately deployment2042of the systems. I am all in. And not just all in to work on2043this committee, but to work with you. Would you welcome that2044sort of collaboration?2045    Mr. Bedford. I would sincerely welcome that.2046    Senator Young. OK. Excellent. Well, I want to do the best I2047can to support the President's leadership in this area. I noted2048his recent Executive Order on boosting domestic drone2049capabilities.2050    Mr. Bedford. Absolutely.2051    Senator Young. Last thing I will touch on just very briefly2052with the Chairman's indulgence is of all things, affordable2053housing near airports. This is in recognition of the valued2054work that you are intimately familiar with of our low and2055moderate income workers in and around airports, from2056maintenance crews to custodial staff, to food service workers,2057baggage handlers, security personnel, ground transportation2058staff.2059    They all need places to live. It is not uncommon for them2060to face significant barriers to accessing affordable and2061conveniently located housing as I would also add. To the extent2062we want workers of long standing who touch on the safety2063impacts of our whole aviation ecosystem--we want to retain2064those workers.2065    We ought to be accommodating their housing needs near2066airports. So, given all these persistent challenges and value2067propositions, would you be open to exploring potential2068partnerships with housing professionals, airport authorities,2069and municipal stakeholders to develop workforce housing2070solutions in areas that are outside, outside of FAA restricted2071areas, but within the airport authority or municipally owned2072land?2073    Mr. Bedford. Well, Senator Young, I can tell you, my home2074airport that I fly out of, an executive airport in Zionsville2075is in fact building, you know, on the periphery of the airport2076space itself.2077    So it appears there are ways to harmonize the availability2078of underutilized land for, you know, better purposes, whether2079that is housing or manufacturing. I think there is a lot of2080opportunity there that we can evaluate. But I would like to2081believe the FAA will be a good partner on that evaluation2082process.2083    Senator Young. Great. Well, I will look forward to working2084with you on that priority as well. Mr. Chairman.2085    The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Duckworth.20862087              STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY DUCKWORTH,2088                   U.S. SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS20892090    Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I thank my2091colleague, Senator Lujan, for his generosity. Mr. Bedford, I am2092going to go back to the 1,500 hour rule. You know it is coming.2093    Mr. Bedford. Yes, ma'am.2094    Senator Duckworth. You have spent years railing against the2095rule. And in 2022, you asked FAA for an exemption from it. If2096confirmed, you would have the authority to reduce the number of2097flight hours below 1,500 if you determine that the pilot2098attending an academic training course will--and this is the2099actual quote, ``enhance safety more than requiring the pilot to2100fully comply with the flight hours requirement.''2101    No Administrator under a Republican or Democratic2102Administration has ever made such a finding, and I would submit2103that now is not the time for less actual cockpit time for2104pilots. This is a perilous moment for aviation safety.2105    After a rise in close calls coming out of the pandemic, we2106had our first major commercial crash in more than a decade. Air2107traffic controllers are understaffed, overworked, and using2108antiquated equipment that is increasingly likely to fail, as we2109saw in Newark. Well trained pilots are our last line of2110defense.2111    In incident after incident, it has been the pilots, the2112pilots who have made last second decisions to avert disaster.2113In Austin, when a FedEx plane came within 150 feet of landing2114on top of a Southwest plane, 150 feet, it was the FedEx pilots2115who spotted the danger and took evasive action.2116    In Chicago, when a Southwest plane landing at midway came2117within 200 feet of a jet crossing the runway, it was a pilot2118who aborted the landing. Mr. Bedford, will you commit to not2119reducing the number of flight hours currently required for2120pilots?2121    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Ranking2122Member Duckworth. We had a very spirited conversation. Your2123passion on this issue is commendable. Your active service for2124our country and the loss that you have personally suffered.2125    You know, I just have tremendous admiration for you, both2126as a pilot and as a legislator. I don't think we actually have2127a lot of gap between where we are at. We both want to have the2128safest pilots operating our aircraft, correct?2129    Senator Duckworth. Yes. But you are not answering me. I2130mean, reclaiming my time. It doesn't sound like a yes. It2131sounds like you are leaving the door open to reduce the number2132of flight hours below 1,500.2133    Mr. Bedford. What I am saying is I don't believe safety is2134static. And I can tell you, we have worked closely with our2135military, evaluating how they are training pilots. And the way2136they are trading pilots today is not the same way they were2137training pilots in 2020, 2015, or 2010.2138    They are taking advantage of emerging technologies and2139utilizing them in ways to create more pilot proficiency. And2140the FAA, as you know, has already said, structured training,2141structured training--real structured----2142    Senator Duckworth. Reclaiming my time, reclaiming my time.2143I think you should probably read an article about Army aviation2144pilot training. They are actually seriously re-looking at it2145because they rely too much on technology.2146    And in fact, there is an article out, a statement from the2147Army's flight training--the General in charge of flight2148training saying, actually they need to return to the basics2149because they are relying on too much technology. Will you at2150least commit to not reducing the number of flight hours until2151FAA has fixed the air traffic controller staffing shortage and2152modernized our Nation's air traffic control equipment and2153facilities?2154    Mr. Bedford. Ranking Member, I can say two things. First,2155this is not my priority. My priority is fixing the air traffic2156control system. I met with the families of 5342. This is top of2157mind across the country.2158    When I fly, and I fly frequently, customers come up to me2159because they see me talking to our pilots and they ask, when is2160it going to get better? I am like, what do you mean? Like all2161of it, when is it going to get better?2162    And that is my guiding. And also maintaining safety. I will2163not roll back safety. There won't be safety loopholes. I commit2164to you we will never do anything to reduce the safety and2165competency of our pilots.2166    Senator Duckworth. So that is still not a yes answer to my2167question. Will you at least commit to taking any potential2168changes to pilot flight hours before the Air Carrier Training2169Aviation Rulemaking Committee, or the ACT ARC, and abide by2170their consensus recommendation?2171    Mr. Bedford. I am telling you, I won't unduly influence a2172process one way or the other. The data will either support it2173or it won't.2174    Senator Duckworth. Will you abide by their recommendation?2175    Mr. Bedford. Most likely. I haven't seen it. I can't commit2176to things that I don't know. But I can commit to you that we2177will not have anything that would reduce safety, full stop.2178    Senator Duckworth. So I have given you four--I have asked2179you four questions on whether or not you will unilaterally2180reduce the 1,500 rule and that you will resist it, and at no2181point have you answered yes.2182    So you are leaving the door open. Onto the next thing,2183Boeing oversight. In October, the Department of2184Transportation's Inspector General found FAA's oversight Boeing2185was not effective.2186    So I am asking you, yes or no, will you commit to not2187delegating inspection authority back to Boeing until FAA has2188implemented all 16 of DOT OIG's recommendations, and DOT OIG2189considers them closed?2190    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Ranking2191Member Duckworth. It is my understanding that ODA has been2192renewed for another three years. So, certainly Boeing has got a2193long way to go before they are going to get another bite at2194that apple.2195    Senator Duckworth. All right. I am out of time. Thank you,2196Chairman.2197    The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Moreno.21982199               STATEMENT OF HON. BERNIE MORENO,2200                     U.S. SENATOR FROM OHIO22012202    Senator Moreno. First of all, thank you for your2203willingness to serve. Could you show the people what you have2204at your desk to your left?2205    Mr. Bedford. Oh, it is my father-in-law's crucifix and2206rosary.2207    Senator Moreno. And the reason I ask that is, what role has2208faith played in your career?2209    Mr. Bedford. Well, if I was being perfectly honest with2210you, sir, up until about 1999, not a lot. Not as much as it2211should have. But I had a wonderful experience, conversion2212experience, that brought me much closer to my faith and to2213Christ. And----2214    Senator Moreno. So when we are talking about these issues2215about how these technologies--we can be very clinical here,2216talking about 1,500 requirements, or technology, or AI.2217    And I think that's all really important. But ultimately,2218when you take this job as the Administrator of the Federal2219Aviation Administration, you are putting the lives of tens of2220millions of Americans somewhat in your hands.2221    I think it is just important for--everybody here is looking2222at judging whether your nomination is--that that faith will--is2223it fair to say that that faith will play a role in how you2224conduct your job?2225    Mr. Bedford. When I talk to the families, and we talk2226about, I sympathize with your loss. That is not just words. You2227know, I suffered loss as well. I used to have a sister. My2228parents had a daughter.2229    She didn't die in an aviation accident, but she was run2230over at a traffic stop, pedestrian accident. So, I absolutely2231understand what you are going through and I appreciate your2232loss, and I would never do anything to compromise safety as2233Administrator in this organization.2234    I can promise you that. I can promise everybody on this2235committee that.2236    Senator Moreno. Thank you, Mr. Bedford, for that. So let's2237go, shifting to your business career. I just want to restate2238this for the record because as a business guy myself, I don't2239think we really spent enough time highlighting your career.2240    You took a company from $85 million--and I know million2241doesn't mean a lot here in Washington, D.C., but $85 million in2242revenue to $3 billion. That is an incredible accomplishment.2243    I think I just want my colleagues who maybe haven't been in2244the business world to just sit back and reflect on the scale of2245difficulty of taking a business from $85 million to $3 billion.2246That is a remarkable accomplishment. So, congratulations to2247you. What role did building a culture play in that growth?2248    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for that question, because I2249think that is so germane to where we are at here today with the2250FAA. It is building a winning culture, and leadership literally2251starts from the bottom.2252    We have to support the team. We have to make sure that we2253identify clear objectives, communicate those objectives, and2254then show them how we are going to walk the talk to accomplish2255these objectives. And I think all those things are possible.2256When I had an opportunity to speak with the team at the FAA, I2257asked them, what are our goals for 2025? They don't have any.2258    OK, well, what is our strategy? What is our strategy for2259tackling the air traffic control system? And the answer was, we2260are just going to keep working at it hard every day to make it2261work. You know, that is just not the kind of leadership that we2262are going to need in order to get the job done. I don't think2263this is a moonshot project.2264    It is not a Manhattan Project. We can get this done, and we2265can work together and get it done very quickly. I think2266Secretary Duffy is right. We can this done. We can get it done2267in single digit years, not decades.2268    Senator Moreno. Well, if you take just a fraction of your2269track record and your success, and you implement that at the2270FAA, I think you are going to leave your kids and grandkids an2271incredible legacy.2272    So it is amazing that God puts us in different places at2273different times, and he certainly put you here in this charge.2274My final question is this, are you familiar with a piece of2275legislation called the ``One Big Beautiful Bill Act''?2276    Mr. Bedford. I have heard something about that.2277    Senator Moreno. Now, would it surprise you to know that2278there has been almost no coverage in the media, I haven't heard2279one of my Democrat colleagues--I hope they do. We have an2280opportunity coming up in this testimony to point out that that2281bill has historic investment in modernizing this Nation's air2282traffic control system.2283    So your leadership, combined with the fact that we finally2284have a bill that will completely, for the first time in decades2285do what honestly should have been done a long time ago and2286modernize our air traffic control system.2287    You strike me as probably like me. You are not somebody who2288tends to gamble, but I don't think the media will ever report2289the fact that this bill has that level of historic investment.2290    And I hope that you take this opportunity that has been2291given to you to make certain that you take this time and that2292we modernize our air traffic control system and leave a legacy,2293not just for your kids and grandkids, but for all of America.2294    So, thank you for your willingness to serve. Thank you for2295saying yes to President Trump. And to President Trump,2296congratulations on yet another remarkable nominee. Thank you,2297Mr. Chairman.2298    The Chairman. Thank you. And at long last, Senator Lujan.22992300               STATEMENT OF HON. BEN RAY LUJAN,2301                  U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO23022303    Senator Lujan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate that.2304Mr. Bedford, thank you for being here. I am going to continue a2305little bit from the questioning you just had with Senator2306Moreno. I am also a person of faith.2307    I am reminded that some of the teachings that we have had2308in our lifetimes. Matthew 7:12 tells us to do unto others as we2309want them to do onto us, to treat people with respect and2310dignity, that we're part of the golden rule mantra. There are2311times in our lives where we are affected by something, tragedy.2312    There is a family here that hasn't met with the Secretary2313of Transportation, even though there has been request and2314request and request. I know an invitation was sent out not long2315ago, gave the family just a couple days. Families are busy.2316Something of this magnitude we should work to make happen.2317    Will you commit to advise Secretary Duffy, when you are2318confirmed, to meet with this family and give them the time to2319make sure that they are able to be there in person and meet2320with him?2321    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Senator2322Lujan. And I agree with you. You know, we need to treat people2323with dignity and respect. You know, we are all created in the2324image and likeness of God.2325    And that shared humanity is what should help us to be able2326to work in a bipartisan way and put the American people's2327interests ahead of any of our political interests. And while I2328am thrilled about the $12.5 billion down payment, I would2329clarify, for the new system, I do believe Secretary Duffy is a2330man of great character, and ethics, and integrity.2331    And I can't explain why he has not yet met with the2332families, but I would certainly have a conversation with him to2333do so.2334    The Chairman. So you will commit to advise him?2335    Mr. Bedford. I will.2336    Senator Lujan. I appreciate that very much, sir. And I2337appreciate the line of questioning from Senator Moreno as well.2338I mean we should chat about this more in all that we do. Now,2339Mr. Bedford appreciate you taking time to visit with me2340yesterday in the office. We got a good conversation.2341    One of the questions that I asked was about a filing from23422022 that you sent over to the FAA. And you argued in a2343petition that if you were granted the exemption from the 1,500-2344hour rule, that it would help ``renew industry wide commitment2345to diversity, equity, and inclusion.'' Do you still stand by2346those words?2347    Mr. Bedford. So, first, thank you for the time that you2348shared in your office. You are a very gracious host. I can tell2349you that when we established the LIFT Academy, what we were2350trying to do is open the aperture of economic opportunity for2351families who otherwise can't afford to do flight training.2352    And we all know those families that are on the lower end of2353the wealth scale, who they are, and what they look like. That2354shouldn't keep anybody out of being able to take advantage of2355these transformational careers.2356    So, I do believe an alternative to asking families to take2357on $300,000 or $400,000 of debt, or us begging Government for2358student loans so they can leverage these families to take on2359debt, we as industry can work collectively to open that2360aperture, and we are doing that at the LIFT Academy.2361    Now, it is not free. We are asking people to come work for2362us for a year. I asked my own son, if you want to fly, you want2363to go to LIFT, you need to come work as a crew scheduler for a2364year. He did it for I think 16 months. Congratulations. They2365demonstrate their character, their reliability, their2366intellect, their teamwork.2367    I mean, so we get a chance to essentially take them out for2368an audition, and then we give them a 50 percent discount. Now,2369we ask for something in return. We ask for them to come work2370for us, as we do the folks that were on our Earn To Learn2371Technician Program, which I think is perfectly fair.2372    So, but what we are doing, and I can--I can't remember2373Cetrina's last name. She came to us. She spent a year and a2374half as a flight attendant. She applied to our academy. As you2375can guess, Cetrina, she is a person of color.2376    And she went through our LIFT program. She completed her2377first officer training with Republic. Three years later, she2378upgraded to captain with us. And just recently, she has taken a2379job with American Airlines.2380    Senator Lujan. Mr. Bedford, my time is quickly going to go2381away. Do you stand by those words?2382    Mr. Bedford. I absolutely stand by. We need to do more to2383create economic opportunity for those who have little.2384    Senator Lujan. I will take that. Mr. Bedford, in your2385petition, you also noted that access for underrepresented2386communities, you would ``see no adverse impact on safety.'' Do2387you agree, yes or no, that the United States can promote2388diversity in the aviation industry without compromising safety?2389    Mr. Bedford. So, I agree there is no check the box2390requirement here. If you have got the chops, the skills, the2391mindset to be able to do the work, I believe in a meritocracy.2392We just have to give them the opportunity to demonstrate that2393they are capable to do it.2394    We fail out 60 percent of our private pilot students that2395don't. I mean, we run a rigorous program. So, you can try. You2396should have the opportunity to try. But if you can't do the2397work, you can't do the work.2398    Senator Lujan. Mr. Bedford, that sounds like a yes. I will2399give you a chance to say yes----2400    [Laughter.]2401    Mr. Bedford. I think we are saying the same thing.2402    Senator Lujan. That sounds like a yes, and I will take2403that. Do you believe the DCA collision earlier this year was2404caused by DEI policies?2405    Mr. Bedford. OK, I don't have any earthly idea what role--2406--2407    Senator Lujan. I appreciate that. I yield back. Thank you.2408    Senator Moreno. So Mr. Bedford, I just want to second that2409Senator Lujan is a phenomenal host, and I hope he gave you the2410spicy pistachios. With that, I recognize Senator Peters.24112412                STATEMENT OF HON. GARY PETERS,2413                   U.S. SENATOR FROM MICHIGAN24142415    Senator Peters. Thank you. Mr. Redford, good to see you2416here today, and thank you for taking time in my office last2417week. And as you recall, when we were together, we discussed2418the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. It is2419a small hub airport, but that is growing.2420    But its 62 year old tower is a growing safety risk with2421line of sight limitations that are physically limiting the2422airport from expanding to meet the demand that continues to2423grow. And I know you have some firsthand experience with that2424as well. I know that the tower at GR is one of the many2425backlogged FAA towers in need of replacement.2426    This Administration without question has made a lot of2427promises regarding investments into air traffic control2428facilities. But unfortunately, I think we are missing some2429details, and we are missing some hard commitments with those2430kind of broader promises. It is unclear how much money is2431actually needed to address the tower replacement backlog and to2432modernize our air traffic control infrastructure, including2433towers at individual airports across the country.2434    I am pleased to hear that you are supportive of investments2435into our ATC facilities. With that, so I just have a series of2436a few yes or no questions regarding this issue. Yes or no, if2437confirmed, will you work with us on a plan to replace GR's2438tower sooner rather than later?2439    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Senator2440Peters. And I thank you for the time in your office, by the2441way. And I have to give a quick shout out for all the folks in2442Michigan who are watching the hearing today.2443    So--they are looking. I will tell you that $12.5 billion is2444a great start. It is going to take a lot more than that. I have2445not had the benefit of seeing the plan. I know that Secretary2446Duffy has all of those details. Hopefully, we will be able to2447bring that to the, you know, to the transparency before the2448Committee.2449    But $12.5 billion is enough to get started, for sure. We2450have aging infrastructure across the country. I have watched2451numerous hearings. I have heard the Acting Administrator2452testify that there is some rubric, some process and methodology2453on how to prioritize the tower.2454    So, I would absolutely agree to work with you and see where2455Grand Rapids is in that process and just make sure we are all2456on the same page.2457    Senator Peters. Well, I appreciate it. And sooner rather2458than later. It would be for all the folks from Michigan2459watching you right now.2460    Mr. Bedford. Shout out to Western Michigan University.2461    Senator Peters. They are watching you right now, so I2462appreciate that. Yes or no, do you agree that we need a major2463infusion of facilities and equipment funding specifically to2464address air traffic towers?2465    Mr. Bedford. Yes.2466    Senator Peters. You have answered that. If confirmed, do2467commit to sharing with my office exactly how much money is2468needed to address the entire ATC modernization backlog,2469including the replacement of outdated towers?2470    Mr. Bedford. So, again, I can't speak for Secretary Duffy.2471He erected a wall. You know, once I agreed to accept the2472nomination, I have had zero contact on what is in the plan. I2473know as much as what I have been able to read. I would like to2474hope, again, as I have said in my statements, that we will have2475absolute transparency, accountability----2476    Senator Peters. Good. That is what I would hope you do if2477we would try to--if confirmed, obviously, that we will be able2478to do that. Yes or no, do you believe that funding for air2479traffic control modernization should be contingent on closing2480or consolidating other air traffic controlled facilities?2481    Mr. Bedford. So, I don't know. I don't know what's in the2482plan. I hope in a bipartisan way we can be open to deploying2483the people's capital in a judicious, wise way. So I would be2484willing to work, again, with the Secretary, with the President,2485with this Commerce Committee to make that happen.2486    Senator Peters. Well, if confirmed, would you support the2487closure of any air traffic control facility without consulting2488air traffic control staff and representatives from the region,2489or will you include them in the process?2490    Mr. Bedford. I would think it would make sense to have our2491controller workforce included in the process.2492    Senator Peters. Good. So that is a yes, thank you. Mr.2493Bedford, you have been outspoken regarding your support for2494Essential Air Service program. And I want to emphasize again2495today, my concern for Michigan's nine EAS airports due to the2496proposed $308 million cut to Essential Air Surface.2497    And I know we have had this good discussion that2498attracting--and you know that attracting service to rural2499areas, holding airlines to their commitments, and ensuring that2500this program receives the necessary funding is going to be a2501continuing priority for the state of Michigan, second in the2502country in terms of Essential Air Service to get to all of our2503areas, particularly in Northern Michigan.2504    I know that is not directly within your purview for the2505FAA, but I think it is likely that you will soon be in the2506room, if confirmed, when those changes to the program are2507discussed. So in that scenario, will you commit to me that you2508are going to continue to advocate for EAS airports and advocate2509against the kind of cuts that is going to limit service to our2510rural areas in Michigan, as well as around the country?2511    Mr. Bedford. So, I believe I saw in Secretary Duffy's2512testimony his commitment to EAS. It is obviously something I am2513passionate about. I did all my flight training at a flying2514cloud airport in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. I have gone to all of2515the airports from Bemidji to Brainerd to, you know, Duluth.2516    So, you know, keeping these airport communities connected2517to the system is important. But the cost of EAS has exploded.2518And I think there is an opportunity now where we can look at2519these emerging technologies that are going to find a much more2520cost-effective and affordable solution to connect and reconnect2521many of these communities that we have, and to do it in a cost-2522efficient way so that our tax dollars are going--you know, most2523efficiently deployed.2524    Senator Peters. Great. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr.2525Chairman.2526    The Chairman. Thank you. And I will say the Minnesota shout2527out right before Senator Klobuchar's questioning was very well2528done.25292530               STATEMENT OF HON. AMY KLOBUCHAR,2531                  U.S. SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA25322533    Senator Klobuchar. Very well done.2534    Mr. Bedford. I have been so looking forward to meeting you,2535Senator.2536    Senator Klobuchar. Well, thank you. And thank you for your2537willingness to serve. So, not only were you using those2538airports, you were former CEO of a Minnesota based regional2539airline, Mesaba. Near and dear to my heart only because the2540name Mesaba is the Iron Range where my dad grew up.2541    Mr. Bedford. Sleeping giant, yes.2542    Senator Klobuchar. That is right. And you know we also have2543strong connections to aviation, from our regional airports to2544the major hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul, which I think once again2545was voted the best airport in North America. And we also have2546Cirrus Jets, one of the few domestic manufacturers----2547    Mr. Bedford. I have flown an SR22.2548    Senator Klobuchar. Yes, exactly. So we care a lot about2549aviation. And so, my first question is, I appreciated your2550answer on EAS, but could you just talk about the importance of2551Federal funding to upgrade our airports, like our air traffic2552control towers?2553    Minnesota is home to one in Duluth that Representative2554Stauber, my counterpart in the House for that part of our2555state, have been working on. It is the third oldest one in the2556country--often floods.2557    And could you talk about the need to upgrade our air2558traffic controllers? I discussed this with the Secretary when2559he was sitting in your chair.2560    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Senator2561Klobuchar. And I hope we get an opportunity to have an office2562visit. We can----2563    Senator Klobuchar. Well, I am sure we will make that work,2564yes.2565    Mr. Bedford. have a longer policy conversation. But I think2566the need is universal and bipartisan. Both here and the House,2567there is a strong recognition that the system needs significant2568investment. We seem to have bipartisan support for a down2569payment of $12.5 billion.2570    We have to be honest, that is not enough. We are going to2571have to have significantly more investment. We have talked2572about, are there budget neutral ways to do that. I think we can2573for sure look at the $5 billion a year we are investing in2574sustainment of the current system and look at that as a future2575savings opportunity, and in an industry we can present value2576that back to something that could be over 10 years worth $402577billion of savings to the Treasury.2578    So yes, I think this not only is urgent and necessary, and2579will help, you know, increase our ability to service, you know,2580emerging technologies. But I do think there is a very strong2581payback to the Treasury and to the American taxpayer.2582    Senator Klobuchar. Good. In your testimony you mentioned2583the chronic staffing challenges at our air traffic control2584centers. And we must ensure our air traffic controllers have2585the staff they need to keep our skies safe. I did work with2586former Senator Braun to include a provision in the FAA2587reauthorization requiring the agency to conduct maximum hiring2588of air traffic control candidates at the FAA Academy.2589    Secretary Duffy--and as you know, we had seen some2590increases. Then, of course, came in this kind of across the2591board firings of new employees, then they were exempted, and2592then some people left.2593    Secretary Duffy has called for a supercharged program for a2594controller hiring, and you have testified your work to rectify2595the understaffing. Could you talk about how you will ensure2596that the FAA is conducting maximum hiring of air traffic2597controllers?2598    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Senator2599Klobuchar. So, as you may be aware, we have spent years and2600tens of millions of dollars developing workforce opportunities2601for the future.2602    We are doing earn and learn programs as an example for our2603technical staff. We have deferred--or abated 50 percent of the2604cost of pilot training through our LIFT Academy. So it is near2605and dear to my heart to make sure that we are casting the2606widest possible net to get the best people we can, to give them2607the best training that we can and the best tools in order to2608have the best outcomes.2609    And certainly what the Secretary has shown us a few weeks2610ago in the big rollout of the system is the tools that we are2611giving our workforce are unacceptable. So I think we have got2612some leadership challenges, funding challenges, but these tools2613are just not acceptable to continue to utilize and have the NAS2614of the future that is going to be able to take advantage of2615emerging technologies.2616    Senator Klobuchar. OK. Yesterday, I sent a letter with2617Senators Duckworth and Warnock requesting that the FAA provide2618an update on the implementation of the provisions that were2619included in a bill I had done with Senator Moran, who I just2620see is here, to boost the FAA 625 grant program to recruit and2621prepare students for aviation careers. Do you believe it is2622critical to fully fund the FAA at the levels authorized under2623the FAA bill?2624    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question. I want to be2625careful here because I am not in the FAA, and I couldn't tell2626you whether the funding is enough or too much. So I would love2627to have an opportunity to do the job, do the work, you know,2628put a critical eye on it, and then get back to you.2629    Senator Klobuchar. OK. Last question is just about, we know2630the horrific fatal crash very close to where we are now. There2631was a near miss. One of my staff members was on the plane of2632the Delta flight, which happened with some military aircraft2633and a jet bound for Minnesota. It was nearly all my2634constituents.2635    I led a provision in the FAA reauthorization bill to help2636planes avoid collisions by ensuring they have the technology to2637alert pilots. And many of my colleagues, including ones that2638are here right now, have done similar things.2639    Do you agree that adopting new technologies can assist? And2640what should we be doing when it comes to these near collisions?2641    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question. Look, we do2642have some terrific technologies that are here today that we can2643implement. There is always going to be points of friction in2644terms of how we allocate airspace based on equipage.2645    So, I think it is--we need to have the stakeholder2646conversation. I agree we need get more alerting systems on the2647cockpit so that it is another level of safety and redundancy2648for our commercial airline pilots.2649    But we also have to be sensitive that we don't want to2650inadvertently cutoff regional airline markets if their aircraft2651aren't upgrading. The good news is I think we have solutions2652for that now that we can pursue and have the best of both2653worlds.2654    Senator Klobuchar. Very good. And I will tell you, I have2655been very impressed how all the grandchildren have remained in2656control. Some of them are wandering around, but not by2657themselves----2658    Mr. Bedford. I haven't been able to see, but you should2659know we have a couple of Eden Prairie born children here too.2660    Senator Klobuchar. OK, excellent. Very good. Thank you. And2661now I think Senator Blackburn is next.26622663              STATEMENT OF HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN,2664                  U.S. SENATOR FROM TENNESSEE26652666    Senator Blackburn. Yes, indeed. Thank you, Senator2667Klobuchar. And I want to add my condolences and my thanks to2668the families that are here today from the DCA crash and the2669Colgate crash.2670    And we appreciate the commitment that you are making to be2671certain that the skies are safe, and that passengers are going2672to be safe. We want to welcome you. Congratulations, Mr.2673Bedford.2674    And indeed, I think the children, the babies deserve a2675treat as we call it at my house with the little ones when this2676is over. You and I talked briefly when we visited about pilot2677retirement age.2678    Mr. Bedford. We did.2679    Senator Blackburn. And this is an issue that comes up2680repeatedly. Because people are so frustrated. They go to get on2681a flight, and the crew is timed out. They don't have a flight.2682Everybody is there. The plane is there, and they end up waiting2683a couple of hours to get a pilot.2684    And I have worked on this issue because I think if we don't2685take the lead on this, that it is something that is going to2686leave us with more flights that are stranded. And I know that2687ICAO is looking at this issue.2688    So, I would like for you to talk just a little bit about2689that issue and how you would approach the pilot retirement age?2690    Mr. Bedford. So, thank you for the question. And thank you2691for the time in your office, by the way.2692    Senator Blackburn. Sure.2693    Mr. Bedford. It was lovely. You know, this was a big issue2694during the whole FAA reauthorization debate. You know, there2695was, and I can't remember which side of the Legislature it was2696in, the House or the Senate, but we had age 67 at one point,2697and it didn't make its way through reconciliation.2698    We had a lot of debate on the merits of it, which are, I2699think, pretty clear. That we have really experienced pilots2700that still have a lot of gas in the tank, desire to serve, and2701a lot of mentoring that they can bring to the table for the2702younger workforce, you know, that we are developing for the2703future.2704    So those that wish to serve having an arbitrary mandatory2705retirement age doesn't seem like the right answer to me. But2706then there is the logistics of the fact that these men and2707women are actually at the top of the, you know, fleet food2708chain. They are flying in the left seat of the most advanced2709widebody aircraft across the planet.2710    And that is great. We have to be sensitive to the fact the2711disruption that it would cause if, in fact, they can't operate2712widebody airplanes and have to be, you know, deregulated down2713to a narrow body jet may prohibit them from even wanting to2714serve.2715    So ICAO has now somehow become very critical in the process2716to encourage them to increase global retirement age. We have2717successfully accomplished that moving from 60 to 65. I think it2718is absolutely possible to accomplish that in a reasonable2719period of time.2720    Senator Blackburn. Well, thank you for that. Talk for a2721minute about your record at Republic, because you did transform2722that airline. And you increased the fleet, you increased2723revenue, and you kept an eye on safety. So, I want you to talk2724about that commitment to safety and how you carried that out in2725your career?2726    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question. And a quick2727shout out to some of our Republic pilots that are here. Thanks2728for the support. It was a collaboration. And it wasn't easy, I2729will tell you. We didn't get it all right.2730    You know, we made a lot of mistakes as we were building a2731business. But we were able to recognize the mistakes we made,2732correct them, and continue to move on. I think that is a2733culture that we can bring to the FAA. It is OK to try things2734and fail. Again, not jeopardizing safety. But we can innovate.2735    We won't always get it right, but we will get a lot of it2736right. And then stuff that we don't, we can fix and continue to2737innovate. So, I think that was--you know, if you think about2738all the challenges aviation has faced, 2001, obviously 9/11.2739    And I have to tell you, the incident and the crash at 53422740brought back a lot of PSTD for me, because we have, you know,2741almost 150 operations a day at Reagan. And for the first 152742minutes, when we got our MIR3 alert, we had no idea whose2743aircraft that was. It is a heart-sinking feeling to think it2744could have been one of ours. So by the grace of God, it wasn't.2745    And again, my deepest sympathies to the families that were2746affected. So I can tell you that culture is a clear indicator2747of a lean, agile organization that can manage change and work2748together. I think it starts from having a vision.2749    We have to have a vision for where the organization is2750going. What hill are we trying to take? And then we can get our2751entire workforce to go on that journey with us. We can2752collaborate. It is not just me saying this. I have read a lot2753about the FAA, the FAA organization.2754    Many reports, many agency reports that talk about the2755unwieldy organization structure, multiple spans and layers,2756silos across the organization. I think there is a lot of2757opportunity for us to lean into building a better, agile, more2758collaborative agency.2759    Senator Blackburn. Thank you for that. And I recognize2760Senator Baldwin, and I turn the gavel to Senator Sullivan.27612762               STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY BALDWIN,2763                  U.S. SENATOR FROM WISCONSIN27642765    Senator Baldwin. Thank you, Senator Blackburn. I am going2766to yield a few seconds to Senator Moreno to correct the record.2767    Senator Moreno. Sure. Not to correct the record. I just2768wanted to--Senator Lujan brought up an issue about the families2769not being able to meet with Secretary Duffy. So I took the2770opportunity to step outside and called the Secretary. He gave2771me his Chief's cell phone number.2772    So for the families, he is expecting your call. If you2773could call him at your convenience, and the Secretary is more2774than happy to meet with you. So I will hand this to whoever the2775family representative is so that we can get that meeting2776scheduled. And he obviously is wanting to do that as quickly as2777possible.2778    Mr. Bedford. Thank you.2779    Senator Baldwin. Thank you. Mr. Bedford, thank you for2780being here today. Thank you for the opportunity to meet with2781you ahead of this hearing to learn more about your priorities2782for the FAA.2783    As the Senator representing Wisconsin on this committee, I2784would be remiss if I didn't mention how disheartened I was to2785read about some of your past comments about Milwaukee.2786    It has been reported that you told a group of investors2787that, ``I don't care how cheap you make it. You don't go there2788unless you have to.'' Mr. Bedford couldn't be more wrong on2789that account. And if confirmed, I invite you to Milwaukee to2790come see for yourself all that the city and the state of2791Wisconsin has to offer.2792    On the--one of the FAA's most successful partnerships is2793the Contract Tower program. 265 smaller air parts participate2794in this important air traffic safety program, including nine in2795my state of Wisconsin.2796    These towers support rural air service and flight schools2797across the country, as well as DOD flight training operations2798and military readiness. What assurances can you give us today2799that contract towers will be a high priority for you if you are2800confirmed?2801    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Senator2802Baldwin. And thank you the courtesy of the time in your office.2803I am going to push back strongly on that quote. I don't know2804where that came from because I have got two Marquette graduates2805back here that are going to be very unhappy if I let that stand2806in the record.2807    I love Milwaukee. I have spent a lot of time in Milwaukee.2808You know, we tried to save Midwest Airlines in Milwaukee. It2809was a brutal, brutal competitive environment. And2810unfortunately, Milwaukee has lost a lot of direct service as a2811result of that. We used to have service to Omaha and Duluth and2812Eau Claire and Grand Rapids.2813    Senator Baldwin. It is how I got to Washington, D.C. as a2814member of the House, through Milwaukee.2815    Mr. Bedford. So, you know, I would love to see a resurgence2816of opportunity in Milwaukee. So I am not sure where that quote2817came from. Maybe I was drinking, I apologize.2818    Contract towers, I utilize them frequently. You know, in my2819own flight training, I am flying in places like Anderson,2820Indiana, Muncie, Indiana and they are all contract towers. So2821when you think about the fact that we have got thousands and2822thousands of student pilots, they rely on these contract towers2823almost exclusively for their flight training.2824    So they are a very vital component of the ecosystem here in2825the United States.2826    Senator Baldwin. Thank you. Last Congress, I was proud to2827author provisions in the Federal Aviation Administration2828Authorization Act that strengthen protections for air travelers2829with disabilities, many of whom are our Nation's veterans.2830    The law includes provisions from my Air Carrier Access2831Amendments Act to ensure that airplanes are designed to2832accommodate people with disabilities and that airlines meet2833accessibility standards, including for individuals who use2834wheelchairs.2835    Will you commit to enforcing these measures and to working2836with us to continue to improve passenger safety for all2837Americans, including those with disabilities?2838    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator Baldwin.2839If it is the law, of course, we will enforce it. But I want to2840tell you that I think I may have shared with you in your2841office, and I certainly had this conversation with Ranking2842Member Duckworth.2843    We have had firsthand family experience with mobility2844challenges when our daughter suffered a spinal cord stroke that2845rendered her a quadriplegic. So thankfully, by the grace of2846God, she has recovered about 85 percent of her mobility. But we2847absolutely understand.2848    My wife, Maria, runs a foundation that helps people with2849mobility issues, providing them wheelchair accessible vans, you2850know, home upgrades for handicap accessibility. I mean, so this2851is an issue near and dear to our hearts.2852    Senator Baldwin. Well, I appreciate that. Last question,2853improving recruitment and retention in aviation workforce needs2854to be a top priority in the FAA, and pilots are a vital piece2855of that workforce. We talked about this yesterday.2856    We discussed my Flight Education Access Act that I sponsor2857with--it is a bipartisan bill that Senator Sullivan is co-2858sponsor of. It is aimed at increasing student loan limits for2859students in flight training programs to help make pilot careers2860more accessible by addressing the high cost of flight education2861and training, while maintaining our standards for safety.2862    So, if confirmed, what strategies will you implement to2863increase the pipeline of qualified pilots?2864    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question. We2865absolutely have had workforce shortages. Pilots have been2866critical, but also maintenance technicians. So there is a lot2867of work to do here to convince young people that these are2868valuable careers, transformational careers, where you don't2869have to spend, you know, time in college.2870    So, absolutely. And you know, we have worked together on2871granting issues and trying to, you know, get our military2872veterans an opportunity to come into these transformational2873careers. So I would love to continue to work with you on that.2874    Senator Baldwin. Thank you, I appreciate that. Next is2875Senator Sullivan.28762877                STATEMENT OF HON. DAN SULLIVAN,2878                    U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA28792880    Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Senator Baldwin. I think I am2881chairing, and I am going to call on myself. So, Mr. Bedford,2882thank you for being here. Thank you for your willingness to2883serve. I appreciate our meeting the other day. I do want to--2884just to add to what Senator Baldwin said in terms of our2885bipartisan bill.2886    But pilots also pay back their loans at a very high rate2887too. So, it is a good deal for the Federal Government. A lot of2888other people get student loans, maybe not have the highest rate2889of repayment, but that is not a problem with our pilots.2890    That is another reason why our bill makes a lot of sense. I2891want to focus a little bit, as you can imagine, on Alaska2892aviation safety. We had a good discussion about the FAASI2893initiative, the FAA Safety Initiative, FAA Alaska Safety2894Initiative. You know the background of it. This is to bring2895down the very high rates of crashes and deaths in my state.2896    You know, I want to recognize the families from the latest2897tragedy here, but you know we also had a crash in Alaska, a2898Bering Air crash in a timeline not too far after the American2899Airlines crash here.2900    So, this is impacting all of us, safety. Secretary Duffy is2901really focused on Alaska aviation safety, which I have2902appreciated. They put real money behind the FAASI initiative,2903$25 million a year. And then when he did the big ATC press2904conference with President Trump, President Trump announced 1742905new weather observation stations in Alaska. So, that is really2906important to us.2907    I want to thank the President and the Secretary for their2908focus on Alaska aviation safety. Can I get your commitment, if2909confirmed, to get up to Alaska with me soon, after your2910confirmation, to meet with all of our different stakeholders2911and to get a better understanding of our challenges on2912infrastructure, weather reporting, all the things that most2913lower 48 airports have?2914    We don't have a lot of those, and I think the Secretary and2915even the President have recognized that need for2916infrastructure. It is important. In the FAA reauthorization2917bill, I had several amendments, very bipartisan, my colleagues2918here all support them. That we need better infrastructure to2919keep Alaska aviation safe.2920    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Senator2921Sullivan, and for your hospitality in your office the other2922day. Alaska is unique. I think every member I have spoken to2923acknowledges the uniqueness of a state where, you know, air2924travel is--it replaces the lack of highway infrastructure.2925    Senator Sullivan. Yes, we have over 230 communities that2926are not connected by roads, and most states that is----2927    Mr. Bedford. When we think of Essential Air Service, I2928can't think of a more essential service than air travel in2929Alaska and making that safer is a common objective. I mean,2930think about the tourism and hunting, and infrastructure, and2931then just general commerce. It is absolutely vital that we2932maintain the safety of Alaska. I think we have seen a lot of2933improvement there over the decades. More can be done.2934    Senator Sullivan. Yes. Thank you, I appreciate that.2935    Mr. Bedford. I would love to visit.2936    Senator Sullivan. Good, I would love to have you up there.2937Let me--you know, when we talk about safety, in my experience2938in this committee--I love our FAA in Alaska. The air traffic2939controllers do heroic, heroic work. I can't thank them enough2940for the great job they do.2941    By the way, in Alaska Center, you now, they just are--about2942aviation safety in Alaska. If you are flying from Chicago to2943Tokyo, halfway through that flight, the FAA folks in my state2944kind of deliver those planes all the way to Asia, right. So2945they do great work for the whole country. It is industry, it is2946pilots, it's us. All of us are the key to making our aviation2947system safer.2948    We have always had the gold standard in aviation safety. I2949have really tried to work in this position with everybody,2950including our outstanding pilots. One of the issues you and I2951talked about that has come up, it is kind of bubbling up in2952Europe, this idea of not having two qualified pilots on the2953flight deck in terms of safe operations.2954    It is not over here yet, but I want to get your commitment2955to maintaining the standard. And, you know, if something like2956that came over, give it a really hard look before anything2957happens, talking to industry, talking to us, talking to the2958pilots.2959    Can I get your commitment, or you have any views on that? I2960know something it's bubbling up over in Europe.2961    Mr. Bedford. So, I tell you the--I don't know much about2962the conversation that is going on in Europe as it relates to2963single pilot. In fact, not until this confirmation hearing2964process had anybody ever mentioned it to me before. It seems2965like that is a long ways away.2966    Senator Sullivan. Yes.2967    Mr. Bedford. But what is not so long ways away is what we2968are seeing technology being developed by Garmin with auto-land2969system. So imagine you are in Alaska, and you have got an2970incapacitated single pilot operation, and you can hit the2971button, and the airplane will safely land itself.2972    I mean, so I do think that there are ways we can absolutely2973use technology to improve aviation safety. I don't think it2974goes so far as to tell us we need to remove a trained aviator2975from the cockpit.2976    Senator Sullivan. Yes, I think it is the combination of2977both. And I don't want an AI guy landing my airplane. I want a2978pilot, especially in my State. Finally, just your commitment2979again. I think Secretary Duffy has really done a great job2980about laying out the vision of the ATC upgrade.2981    The budget reconciliation bill is going to have a very, as2982Chairman Cruz said, big significant chunk of money to start2983that process. It is very important. Do you have any views on2984how we would go about doing that? It is going to be important.2985We will have a lot of oversight here, but it is a good start.2986And the Secretary of Transportation has done a great job2987leading this effort.2988    Mr. Bedford. I concur 100 percent. Secretary Duffy has2989taken on an enormous task trying to expedite the, you know,2990modernization of the system. I look forward, if confirmed, to2991getting in there and give him another set of hands to get the2992job done.2993    But as we discussed in your office, I am going to bring a2994more commercial approach to FAA modernization, where we use2995proven practices and disciplines in order to create a project2996management plan. Have an open and transparent request for2997proposals. Evaluate the--or the providers.2998    Make sure we get strong contractual commitments on2999operating on budget and delivering the goods. Penalties when3000they fail to deliver the goods, or it is not operating to the3001specifications. I think we can bring a significant amount of3002discipline to this process that will bring comfort to oversight3003that we can confidently execute the plan.3004    Senator Sullivan. Good. And I think the comments that were3005made earlier about acquisition reform, so it doesn't take 43006years to start getting the equipment is a really, really,3007really,important one.3008    Mr. Bedford. Amen. Yes, sir.3009    Senator Sullivan. Great. I will hand the--gladly hand the3010gavel back to the real Chairman here, Chairman Cruz.3011    The Chairman. Excellent. Thank you. Senator Hickenlooper.30123013             STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN HICKENLOOPER,3014                   U.S. SENATOR FROM COLORADO30153016    Senator Hickenlooper. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr.3017Bedford. It is good to see you in this position. I think it was301815 or 16 years ago we first met when I was Mayor of Denver, and3019you were just taking over a bankrupt Frontier Airlines.3020    Mr. Bedford. Yes.3021    Senator Hickenlooper. And I remember that you made a lot of3022difficult decisions and had to make cuts everywhere. And my3023memory was that you won them back, the staff--at least the ones3024that I stayed in touch with.3025    And, you know, as Mayor and as Governor, I always flew all3026the airlines. Still fly all the airlines. Anyway, let me ask3027you a couple of questions, appreciating that you have obviously3028learned a great deal over your, you know, 25--I guess 30 years3029now in the business.3030    We have had communication outages that impact air traffic3031control operations. We have seen them increase in severity and3032frequency. Again, I emphasize, the airs are safe. People should3033not feel in any way in risk. But I mean, we have got these3034redundant systems for safety. But any outage for any duration3035should be unacceptable.3036    And I think that, you know, what we are going to do as3037these news stories proliferate, we are going to erode the trust3038that we have built over many years. The Denver Air Routes3039Traffic Control Center recently had an outage that we talked3040about briefly impacted primary and backup personnel, backup3041chat communications channels used by ATC personnel.3042    So what ideas--I mean, you have obviously been asked this a3043million times and are thinking about. What ideas do you have of3044how we can begin to address this as quickly as possible?3045    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator3046Hickenlooper. And thank you again for the time. It was great3047catching up with you. It has been too long. I agree, we need to3048ensure the public that travel is safe. It is safe. There are3049multiple layers of redundancy in the system.3050    But we don't want to get to the second, third, and fourth3051layer of redundancy. We don't want to have our crews having to3052get on the 121.5 guard frequency in order to talk with another3053air traffic control system. We don't want them to have to rely3054on TCAS for traffic guidance and avoidance.3055    So, the system is old, it is tired, it needs to be3056replaced. I just want to let the folks who are watching this3057hearing know that there has been universal, not broad or3058significant, but universal support on both sides of the aisle,3059in both chambers that I have spoken to that support modernizing3060this air----3061    Senator Hickenlooper. And tied in with this, you know, some3062of the issues are around transparency, and that the FAA has--3063the question about whether they have accurate records and when3064do they release them. And I hope that you will commit toward3065more transparency, earlier release of this information. We have3066occasions to have concerns.3067    Mr. Bedford. I would add to it, I think, one of the3068challenges we have is a lack of trust. There is lack of trust3069issues within the FAA, and between the FAA and some of the3070stakeholders. And it has been explained to me why some of those3071issues there are, but we have to move past that. We will have3072to embrace transparency and accountability as we move forward3073this process.3074    Senator Hickenlooper. I couldn't agree--I think more3075transparency increases accountability and actually helps the3076staff do a better job, and I think you get that.3077    Mr. Bedford. I 100 percent agree.3078    Senator Hickenlooper. Yes, I appreciate that. Northern3079Colorado Regional Airport, we talked about a little, is among3080several airports across Colorado that lack a physical control3081tower.3082    And to overcome this, the state of Colorado has made a3083bunch of investments to attract and install a certified remote3084tower technology system in Fort Collins. The FAA recently3085shared a timeline for remote tower certification to complete at3086the New Jersey Technical Center this year. How can you help3087ensure that airports are going to be able to quickly access and3088install these new technologies?3089    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Senator3090Hickenlooper. I am actually confused by this, because we3091invented this technology. We did this as part of--we did this,3092I think, in 2013. We certified--all right, I won't say3093certified, but we invented this technology, and it is being3094deployed abroad.3095    It is just--it is confusing to me why it has taken so long3096to utilize something that we developed and we can manufacture3097and deploy here. So I don't have the exact answer for you, but3098I really look forward to working with you and many communities3099that could take advantage of remote towering.3100    Senator Hickenlooper. So many, so many of the smaller3101communities could benefit. You have obviously found many3102creative ways with Republic Airlines to make training3103affordable for new pilots and to train maintenance personnel,3104engineers, and such. To help with recruitment, the FAA has3105established an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative3106Partnership Program. Brings collegiate aviation programs3107together with the FAA to prepare graduates for air traffic3108controller academy. Can you support this program?3109    Mr. Bedford. I do.3110    Senator Hickenlooper. Great. I appreciate that. Look, this3111is the kind of things that the Federal Government--we should3112really be making sure we encourage and promote them as much as3113possible.3114    Mr. Bedford. Just as a small aside. I mean, we partnered at3115Republic with over 44 university programs. I mean, we have3116urgent workforce needs. Many people have a hand in this3117solution.3118    Senator Hickenlooper. All right. Well, great. I yield back3119to the Chair. Thank you.3120    The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Moran.31213122                STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY MORAN,3123                    U.S. SENATOR FROM KANSAS31243125    Senator Moran. Chairman, thank you. Mr. Bedford, good3126morning--now afternoon. I was delayed getting here because I3127was questioning Secretary Hegseth at an Appropriations3128Committee hearing that is in concurring time as this hearing.3129It doesn't diminish my interest in your nomination and your3130confirmation.3131    But I did use that opportunity to question Secretary3132Hegseth about VIP or convenience flights from the Pentagon3133along the route that involves DCA. He assured me that there are3134no current authorizations, nor will there be an authorization,3135for VIP or convenience flights along ``that route,'' referring,3136I think, to the route at the Pentagon. He said that he and3137Secretary Duffy are in close coordination.3138    I was hoping he would commit to making certain that there3139was no flights occurring until the FAA and the Department of3140Transportation determined there was a safe manner in which to3141conduct those flights. But the airspace control is the FAA's--3142it is the Department of Transportation's, not the Pentagon's.3143Is that true?3144    Mr. Bedford. Chairman Moran, thank you for the question and3145for just the hospitality in your office the other day. Thank3146you for that. My understanding is the FAA is supreme when it3147comes to the control of the airspace, but we want to be good3148partners with the Department of Defense, and we have protocols3149on how to do that--multiple protocols, as I understand.3150    And as an aviator, you know, we create military operating3151areas, restricted space, prohibited space, line of fire space,3152alert zones. I mean, we have lots of ways we can accommodate,3153and we will accommodate the Department of Defense training3154needs. But we can't have this mixed use traffic in Class B3155airspace. So, I know Secretary Duffy is very passionate about3156this issue, as I.3157    Senator Moran. You would use the authorities you just3158described to make certain that whatever traffic was involving3159Pentagon flights involving rotary aircraft would be--you would3160be certain they would be safe to do so before allowing them,3161true?3162    Mr. Bedford. Yes, sir.3163    Senator Moran. I have introduced legislation as a result of3164the crash of January the 29th on ADS-B. It has been a point of3165contention since the crash and since NTSB's investigation.3166    This legislation repeals the NDAA, our National Defense3167Authorization legislation, that was passed some time ago. It3168had a provision in it that allowed the Secretary of3169Transportation to allow exemptions in enabling ADS-B In and3170Out.3171    And it also allows for the Secretary of Transportation to3172require the installation of ADS-B In. Your reaction to that3173topic and that kind of legislation?3174    Mr. Bedford. So absolutely, ADS-B In can be a significant3175safety improvement for the visibility of traffic, because it3176incorporates the traffic that is on the ground. So if we look3177at the alerting systems that we have and we are relying on,3178even when we are using surface radars, it still requires the3179controller to be in the loop.3180    So there is this process where it has to go to the tower,3181and then from the tower to communicate, and we lose vital3182seconds on potential incursions and excursions. So, you know,3183the challenge we have out of the civil fleet, which I believe3184is close to 7,700 aircraft, we need to find a way to give all3185of them access.3186    And I know that may be a controversial statement, but here3187is the good news. For the smaller aircraft, older aircraft that3188are currently unable to comply with ADS-B In, Collins,3189Honeywell, L3 have solutions now where we can get to something3190that is almost equivalent to ADS-B In on that rest of the fleet3191that today might not be able to adopt.3192    Senator Moran. You would work with me and others to find3193that right solution?3194    Mr. Bedford. Welcome that opportunity.3195    Senator Moran. Thank you. One of the things that NTSB found3196that was somewhat astounding to me. Their data decided in their3197preliminary report of the tragedy, there was some 15,214 close3198proximity events between commercial aircraft and helicopters3199that occurred over a three-year span.3200    When we discussed FAA vulnerabilities in my office, you3201indicated organizational silos existed. And this might be an3202example of one of those silos in which the FAA aviation safety3203and the air traffic offices are not responding to what seems to3204me to be a pretty compelling case. If there is 15,000 close3205proximity events, someone at the FAA might want to do something3206different.3207    And I highlight this. I don't know if there is a necessary3208response from you, but I highlight that there are statistics3209that indicate those approximate events. But nothing--it wasn't3210a signal that we ought to be paying more attention to3211something.3212    Mr. Bedford. So, I would like to say two things, if I may,3213sir.3214    Senator Moran. Please.3215    Mr. Bedford. One, to assure the traveling public that close3216proximity events are not in and of themselves a worry. It may3217be the fact that we have lost, you know, the three mile, you3218know, lateral separation can trigger a close proximity event.3219It is not necessarily indicative of a safety problem.3220    The 85 near misses, on the other hand, are indicative of3221the safety problem, and indicative of failure of the FAA's SMS3222system to detect that and mitigate it. So that absolutely needs3223critical assessment.3224    And I will tell you, as the team here from Republic would3225tell you, we have tools called FOQA, Flight Operations Quality3226Assurance, where we are doing a lot of data analysis on our3227systems, and we are using that to inform our training. I think3228the FAA could absolutely stand up something similar to that to3229help inform them of risks in the system that may not otherwise3230be detectable.3231    Senator Moran. In a very quick moment, I just want to3232highlight the importance of the FAA contract tower program and3233see if you have an appreciation for what we are able to do in3234airports that would not have the circumstances to have a3235different air traffic control tower.3236    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Chairman3237Moran. Unfortunately, you were occupied in the other hearing,3238so we did have a lot of conversation about contract towers and3239their necessity as part of facilitating our----3240    Senator Moran. You can just tell me, I liked your answer3241and all.3242    Mr. Bedford. I liked your answer.3243    Senator Moran. All right. Thank you. Then, I liked your3244answer.3245    Mr. Bedford. I liked mine--OK. I will cooperate with the3246contract towers. They are important.3247    Senator Moran. Thank you, sir.3248    The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Rosen.32493250                STATEMENT OF HON. JACKY ROSEN,3251                    U.S. SENATOR FROM NEVADA32523253    Senator Rosen. Well, thank you, Chair Cruz. Appreciate you3254holding this hearing. Mr. Bedford, thank you for your3255willingness to serve. I see your family. A very brand new baby3256out there. So peaceful, so quiet, and behaving well. But3257anyway, as Senator Sullivan just talked about, I want to stress3258the importance of--I keep smiling. I am looking at the baby. I3259am smiling at you too, but it is really hard not to smile at3260that brand new baby, what can I tell you.3261    The importance of the two pilot flight deck. So for3262decades, the two pilot flight deck has been the cornerstone of3263commercial aviation safety in the United States. The presence3264of both a pilot in command and a second in command ensures3265redundancy, effective workload management, and it is a critical3266layer of risk mitigation, I believe, in the event of in-flight3267emergencies, any system failures, or incapacitation. This model3268has contributed to one of the safest aviation systems in the3269world.3270    Currently, the EU Aviation Safety Agency is considering a3271proposal that would allow a single pilot to remain on the3272flight deck during cruise while the second pilot rests, an3273initiative they are even taking up before a comprehensive3274safety study has been completed. And this approach stands in3275stark contrast to U.S. regulations, which mandate a minimum of3276two pilots for the scheduled air carrier operations.3277    So, I have kind of a two part question. Do you believe it3278is safe to only allow one pilot to remain on the flight deck3279during any portion of commercial flight? And when you become3280the Administrator, how would you approach this international3281pressure or technological proposals that conflict with the long3282U.S. safety standards and I would say success here?3283    But we don't have incidences. That means it is working,3284right? We don't want to find out it doesn't work by having3285something terrible happen.3286    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Senator3287Rosen. I can tell you, we have some experience in the country3288with this issue. When we have, you look at the Roselon3289accident, situation where a pilot left the cockpit, flight3290attendant took the seat. The airplane suffered significant3291icing, went into a stall spin.3292    I think it would be a pretty heavy lift, you know, to get3293us to a place where we would welcome that technology. At our3294LIFT Academy--I am sorry, our investment, we invest in a3295company called Cape Air. I think maybe Senator Markey would be3296very familiar with Cape Air. We put--we could operate that as a3297single pilot operation. We put two pilots in it.3298    Senator Rosen. Yes, thank you. I want to move on to a3299little bit of Nevada specific issues because in response to3300unique airspace challenges at Harry Reid International Airport3301in Las Vegas, I authored Section 744 of last year's FAA3302reauthorization that is going to improve the agency's airspace3303obstruction analysis.3304    The law now requires the FAA to undertake a robust analysis3305of potential airspace hazards near certain airports due to3306factors like, well, building hotel construction near runways.3307You have been to Las Vegas. So many people have. It is a top3308vacation destination in the world, and you know the proximity3309of our hotels to that airport runway.3310    So, however, nearly a year after the reauthorization bill3311was signed into law, there was little progress in implementing3312the statutory requirement until I raised it at an oversight3313hearing last month. Since then, I am pleased that FAA has3314improved communication with airport officials.3315    So if confirmed, will you commit to ensuring that FAA3316follows the law and implements what I believe is this critical3317factor? You don't want balconies so close maybe to our runways,3318just one example.3319    Mr. Bedford. I will absolutely give you that commitment.3320    Senator Rosen. Thank you. I am going to keep on the subject3321of Harry Reid Airport capacity. Like I said, we are, I like to3322say, the top vacation destination in the country. We are right3323up there at the top, but we are the world's leading3324entertainment, sports destination. We have lots going on.3325    And we are quickly becoming the global destination as well.3326We got 40 significant sporting events over the last year. We3327have Super Bowls, and World Cups, and you name it--and concerts3328and these major events. They bring tourists, participants from3329all over the world.3330    They travel on larger jet planes, as well as private jets3331to our airport. Harry Reid International welcomed over 583332million visitors in 2024, the most in our history, and we want3333more visitors to come to the Silver State. But at this rate, we3334are expected to reach capacity within 5 years. We won't be able3335to handle any more flights. So, we have been working with the3336FAA for years to build a supplemental airport in Southern3337Nevada, which the local economy greatly needs.3338    I know the FAA has made great progress on this issue. We3339have been communicating with the airport in that. But I would3340like your commitment to continue to work on this and maybe3341speed it up a little bit so we can support all the wonderful3342things that are happening in my state, and of course, in Las3343Vegas.3344    Mr. Bedford. I think it is an exciting opportunity to build3345a brand new airport, so I would be happy to work with you.3346    Senator Rosen. Thank you very much. I yield back my time to3347Senator Markey.3348    The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Lummis.33493350               STATEMENT OF HON. CYNTHIA LUMMIS,3351                   U.S. SENATOR FROM WYOMING33523353    Senator Rosen. Oh, Senator Lummis. I see you are over3354there. Sorry.3355    Senator Lummis. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We haven't had a3356chance to meet yet, and I know the clock is running on some3357votes over in the Capitol building so I am going to be quick.3358    You and I will meet on June 17. I am looking forward to it.3359I am going to give you a heads up on the two issues that I will3360be emphasizing when we meet. One is--and this is down in the3361weeds, but very important to my--I am from Wyoming. Section 7023362of the FAA reauthorization law addressed airport improvement3363program dollars and the eligibility for taxiways and taxi lanes3364at airports.3365    Congress clarified eligibility last year in our FAA bill,3366making very specific language in the authorizations. Somebody3367at the FAA keeps tinkering with that language, and they are3368making it difficult for small airports--and I will name one3369specifically, Rock Springs, Wyoming--to get the airport paving3370funding it needs, that is eligible for pursuant to the3371statutory criteria.3372    But somebody at FAA keeps tinkering with that language and3373it is making it difficult for my state and my airports to gain3374access to those funds. So, for reference to our June 173375meeting, that is going to be high on my list of conversations I3376want to have with you and thank you.3377    The other one is about weather equipment. So, you know, a3378lot of weather changes in Wyoming, and very major weather3379changes. So there used to be, at the National Weather Service,3380a training program for when the weather technology equipment3381goes down and someone has to be sent out to repair it, hours3382and sometimes days can go by where air traffic is shut down.3383    And so, the FAA received the authority from the National3384Weather Service to train weather observers. It is not, you3385know, major meteorologist type training, but it is something3386that can allow you to understand the cloud cover, the3387visibility, but it is not happening. The FAA has never3388implemented this.3389    And so, my plea is either implement the program, train some3390people, or give the program back to the National Weather3391Service because they were doing it when they had that3392authorization.3393    So those are the two very specific Wyoming issues that I3394will be looking forward to discussing with you on June 17 when3395we meet. I have read your qualifications. They are tremendous.3396You obviously have experience working in Western states where3397weather related issues are significant and there are a lot of3398small airports.3399    Mr. Bedford. Cody, Gillette, Sheridan, Jackson Hall, yes. I3400have been to all of them.3401    Senator Lummis. You got it.3402    Mr. Bedford. Challenging territory to get around.3403    Senator Lummis. Indeed it is. And you are taking on a heavy3404load, high profile with all of the technology updates that are3405necessary. I am looking forward to working with you hand in3406hand. And thank you, Mr. Chairman.3407    The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Markey.34083409               STATEMENT OF HON. EDWARD MARKEY,3410                U.S. SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS34113412    Senator Markey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, very much. Mr.3413Bedford, thank you for being here. The American Airline crash3414in January was an unspeakable tragedy. 67 people died,3415including six members of the Boston Skating Club and other3416people from Boston as well.3417    And that crash echoes a plane crash in 1961 where 103418members of the Boston Skating Club were killed. So it was3419traumatic up in Boston, and that team of 61 was the core of the34201964 Olympic skating team.3421    And so, obviously the families of the victims are very,3422very concerned. They want to make sure that the necessary3423changes are made for safety. So, do you commit to ensuring that3424the strongest possible safeguards are put in place in order to3425ensure that this never happens again?3426    Mr. Bedford. Thank you for the question, Senator Markey.3427And thank you for the hospitality in your office the other day.3428I had the opportunity to meet with a few of the family members3429from 5342. They were kind enough to present to us a really well3430thought out document for reform priorities for Safer Skies. So,3431I think they have got the right approach here. We need to3432partner with them to fix this problem.3433    Senator Markey. So you think they have the right approach,3434and you are committing to putting all necessary changes in3435place?3436    Mr. Bedford. I am.3437    Senator Markey. Thank you. Our aviation system is safest3438and strongest when workers are fairly paid and have a seat at3439the table for important safety decisions. It is absolutely3440crucial that the FAA Administrator recognizes the importance of3441these aviation workers. Mr. Bedford, do you agree that the3442aviation workforce plays a critical role in the safety and3443effectiveness of our aviation system?3444    Mr. Bedford. I do, Senator. I will tell you, we have seen3445some challenges there, too. Aircraft damage on the ramp. We3446have had loss of life, you know, through poor safety practices3447around the aircraft. We can do some improvement there.3448    Senator Markey. Thank you. And obviously I am glad to hear3449that. At his confirmation hearing here, Secretary Duffy agreed3450with that assessment and committed to convene airport workers3451and industry representatives to assess the need for an airport3452service worker wage and benefit standard. Mr. Bedford, can you3453commit to following through on Secretary Duffy's promise in3454convening airport service workers?3455    Mr. Bedford. I can.3456    Senator Markey. OK, beautiful. And when might--you can make3457that convocation?3458    Mr. Bedford. If you can give me some insight on3459confirmation, I can give you a better answer.3460    Senator Markey. OK. I appreciate that contingency. Mr.3461Bedford, in 2022, Republic Airlines, where you were CEO, filed3462a petition with the FAA for an exemption to its 1,500-hour3463rule.3464    The FAA denied that petition, but Republic may view your3465nomination as an opportunity to refile the petition and obtain3466the exemption. So if confirmed, will you recuse yourself from3467involvement in any petition from Republic for an exemption from3468the 1,500-hour rule for the entirety of your term as3469Administrator?3470    Mr. Bedford. Well, thank you for the question, Senator3471Markey. As you are probably well aware, I went through a3472rigorous OGE evaluation process. OGE, with their career case3473officers, evaluated my finances, my conflicts, and they created3474a substantial ethics agreement, which I have agreed to sign and3475maintain over the course of my five-year tenure.3476    Senator Markey. So you will not--you will recuse yourself3477from any participation in the--in any Republic Airlines request3478to exempt from the 1,500-hour rule?3479    Mr. Bedford. Yes. My OGE ethics agreement does provide for3480recusals, which I will comply with.3481    Senator Markey. So you will recuse. OK, I just want to make3482sure.3483    Mr. Bedford. I will follow the ethics agreement that I have3484signed.3485    Senator Markey. Does that mean you will recuse yourself3486from any?3487    Mr. Bedford. I believe there are recusal periods in there.3488I don't believe they go through the entirety of my five-year3489tenure.3490    Senator Markey. Right. And as you can imagine because3491Republic did make that you know request in 2022. If it comes3492back again, it would be an overlap with you. And so, therefore3493it would be cleaner if you just say that you wouldn't go back3494and participate in that process?3495    Mr. Bedford. Well, as you may be aware from my ethics3496agreement, I will be completely separated from the industry in3497total. So, there will be no conflict of interest here. I can3498assure that.3499    Senator Markey. Well, the problem is after your nomination3500was announced, Republic's Board of Directors has agreed to3501accelerate the vesting of your bonus payments, including for3502the years 2026 and 2027. So in other words, Republic agreed to3503pay your bonuses for work in 2026 and 2027.3504    So, you will still be serving the American people at the3505FAA during that period of time. So I just think, Mr. Bedford,3506just to make it clean, you know, you would be better off in3507just saying that you will recuse yourself from any of those3508Republic related decisions?3509    Mr. Bedford. I can assure you, Senator Markey, there will3510be no conflict of interest in my decisionmaking, if confirmed3511to the FAA Administrator.3512    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Markey. And we have got a3513vote that is closing on the floor momentarily. So Mr. Bedford,3514my final question is required of all nominees. If confirmed, do3515you pledge to work collaboratively with this committee to3516provide thorough and timely responses to this committee's3517requests and to appear before the Committee when requested?3518    Mr. Bedford. I do, sir.3519    The Chairman. I have letters of support from various3520organizations for Mr. Bedford's nomination that I ask unanimous3521consent to be inserted in the hearing record. Without3522objection, so ordered.3523    [The information referred to follows:]35243525[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]35263527    The Chairman. Senators will have until the close of3528business on Friday, June 13, to submit questions for the3529record.3530    The nominee will have until the close of business on3531Monday, June 16, to respond to those questions. And that3532concludes today's hearing.3533    [Whereupon, at 1:27 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]35343535                            A P P E N D I X35363537    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Dan Sullivan to3538                             Bryan Bedford3539Biden Rules Crushing Guide Operations:3540    A few of our lodge operators have been advised that the FAA will3541begin enforcing requirements brought about by changes to FAA legal3542interpretations and policy decisions adopted during the Biden3543Administration, but which has not been enforced until now.3544    There has been law on the books since 2000 exempting Alaska Guide3545services from being treated as an air taxi (Part 135), as a flight is3546incidental to guide service.3547    The FAA now opines that the statute is not intended to treat these3548flight operations as incidental to guide and lodge operations in3549certain circumstances, even though they have historically been exempt3550from compliance with Part 135.3551    President Trump has made clear by the February 19, 2025, Executive3552Order ``Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's3553`Department of Governmental Efficiency' Deregulation Initiative ``that3554the creeping regulatory burdens placed on the public and small3555businesses in particular is not in the public interest. The President3556explicitly imposed limitations on adoption of new regulations without3557reduction of existing regulatory burdens.3558    President Trump's Executive Order includes the following language:35593560        `It is the policy of my Administration to focus the executive3561        branch's limited enforcement resources on regulations squarely3562        authorized by constitutional Federal statutes, and to commence3563        the deconstruction of the overbearing and burdensome3564        administrative state.'35653566    The same Executive Order includes this language regarding reduction3567of regulatory burdens, specifically targeting the following:35683569        ``regulations that impose significant costs upon private3570        parties that are not outweighed by public benefits;''35713572   Will you commit to work with the Alaska Professional Hunters3573        Association and the guide industry to review this new3574        interpretation that is threatening the business operations of3575        these fishing and hunting guide businesses, so that they can to3576        continue to operate safely--as they have for decades?35773578   With the appropriate discretion by FAA over safety of3579        operations, it would be consistent with President Trump's3580        stated policy in the recent Executive Order to weigh the3581        appropriateness of pausing enforcement of this Biden3582        Administration decision pending further review and analysis.3583    Answer. If confirmed, I will commit to engaging with the Alaska3584Professional Hunters Association and affected stakeholders to fully3585understand the operational impact of the FAA's current interpretation.3586I recognize the long-standing role that guide and lodge services have3587played in Alaska and the importance of regulatory clarity and3588consistency. I will work to ensure that FAA policy reflects both the3589intent of applicable statutes and the need to support small3590businesses--while upholding aviation safety. Any changes must be3591informed by sound legal grounding, stakeholder input, and the3592Administration's commitment to reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.3593Aircraft Certification:3594    The 2024 FAA Reauthorization bill including language aimed at3595improving the aircraft certification process through an independent3596study on the future state of certification, with the goal of keeping3597aviation the safest mode of transportation while also bringing needed3598efficiency to the certification process.35993600   If confirmed, how will you utilize those findings, and make3601        other improvements, to ensure the FAA upholds a certification3602        process that supports American aviation manufacturing3603        competitiveness in getting new aircraft to market?3604    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that the FAA fully considers3605the findings of the independent study to modernize and strengthen the3606aircraft certification process. My focus will be on enhancing safety3607while streamlining procedures to reduce unnecessary delays and promote3608innovation. By improving collaboration with industry, investing in3609workforce development, and embracing risk-based, data-driven oversight,3610we can maintain global leadership in aviation safety and support3611American competitiveness in bringing new, advanced aircraft to market3612efficiently and responsibly.3613                                 ______36143615    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Eric Schmitt to3616                             Bryan Bedford3617   Critical FAA activities, including the Airport Improvement3618        Program (AIP), are funded by the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.3619        The Trust Fund derives the majority of its revenue from taxes3620        on airline passenger-paid tickets. This excise tax is one of3621        the many ways passengers contribute to the funding of our3622        airports and aviation system. Can you address the importance of3623        the AIP, and will you commit to working with me to ensure the3624        AIP supports investment at Missouri airports such as St. Louis3625        Lambert International Airport, where the needs are significant?36263627     Additionally, will you commit to engaging with your3628            counterparts at the Department of the Treasury and the IRS3629            to ensure that the solvency of the Airport and Airway Trust3630            Fund is protected through the equitable collection of3631            excise taxes on mandatory fees (such as so-called3632            ``passenger usage fees,'' ``carrier usage charges'') or any3633            similar mandatory fee scheme that the IRS has already3634            stated are subject to the excise tax?3635    Answer. If confirmed, I will support the Airport Improvement3636Program (AIP) as a critical tool for maintaining and upgrading airport3637infrastructure nationwide. I recognize the importance of ensuring3638airports like St. Louis Lambert International receive the support they3639need to meet growing demands and modernize facilities. I will also3640commit to working with Congress to ensure the Airport and Airway Trust3641Fund remains solvent. This includes engaging with the Department of the3642Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure consistent3643application of the aviation excise tax to mandatory airline fees, in3644line with guidance and statutory intent.36453646   A few years ago, the aviation industry encountered3647        operational disruptions and unexpected costs that could have3648        been avoided as a result of the deployment of 5G. As the FCC3649        looks to advance additional spectrum sales, how would you3650        ensure that the safety of the aviation industry is prioritized?3651        Further, if equipment modifications are necessary, how would3652        you ensure the industry is given sufficient time and resources3653        to accomplish the modifications?36543655     Will you commit to making sure the agency remains3656            proactively engaged across industries and with the FCC to3657            prioritize safety?3658    Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize proactive and sustained3659coordination with the FCC and industry stakeholders to ensure that3660aviation safety is never compromised by spectrum deployment. The 5G3661rollout highlighted the need for early, cross-sector engagement and3662better risk assessment. Should equipment modifications be necessary, I3663will work to ensure the industry is provided adequate time, technical3664guidance, and resources to comply safely and efficiently. My commitment3665is to safeguard the flying public while supporting innovation through3666thoughtful, safety-first integration of new technologies.36673668   Families who've lost loved ones in aviation disasters carry3669        a perspective that can't be replicated, and too often, they're3670        only consulted after tragedy strikes. If confirmed, will you3671        commit to maintaining regular engagement with victims' family3672        organizations, not just in the aftermath of crashes, but as a3673        consistent part of the FAA's safety decision-making process?3674    Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will commit to maintaining regular3675engagement with victims' family organizations. Their voices are vital3676to the FAA's continuous improvement and safety mission. I believe3677safety policy should be informed not just by data, but by the lived3678experiences of those who have endured loss. I will ensure the FAA3679maintains ongoing dialogue on safety, transparency, and accountability3680with these families.3681                                 ______36823683     Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tim Sheehy to3684                             Bryan Bedford3685    Question 1. The FAA is finally moving forward as required under a3686contract tower pilot program to convert Bozeman airport into a Federal3687tower. Will you work to ensure prompt completion of this transition,3688and include Missoula and Kalispell airports, which also suffer from3689insufficient contract tower staffing levels, in the pilot program?3690    Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will work to ensure the timely3691transition of Bozeman to a fully Federal tower as required under the3692contract tower pilot program. I also recognize the importance of3693addressing staffing shortages at Missoula and Kalispell and will review3694their inclusion in the program to support safe, efficient air traffic3695operations across Montana.36963697    Question 2. Helena Regional Airport is one of two towers nationwide3698with non-radar approach control despite meeting the FAA's standards for3699airport radar. Will you commit to working with Helena to design, fund,3700install, and maintain additional surveillance equipment in their ATC3701tower?3702    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Helena Regional Airport to3703assess the feasibility and funding pathways for installing appropriate3704radar or surveillance capabilities. Ensuring the safest and most3705efficient airspace management is a priority, particularly at airports3706meeting FAA criteria.37073708    Question 3. Will you work to update Part 23 and restore American3709aviation innovation and manufacturing capacity?3710    Answer. If confirmed, I will support efforts to ensure that the3711FAA's regulatory framework, including Part 23, is clear, efficient, and3712aligned with safety and technological advancement. I will work with3713stakeholders to explore opportunities for continued improvement that3714support American aviation leadership and manufacturing strength.37153716    Question 4. Do you support maintaining a minimum of two pilots on3717the flight deck and will you oppose any move to reduced crew efforts at3718the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)?3719    Answer. I understand the importance of maintaining confidence in3720flight deck operations and recognize that decisions regarding crew size3721must be rooted in rigorous safety analysis. If confirmed, I will ensure3722that the FAA continues to engage constructively at ICAO and other3723forums, with safety as the guiding principle for all discussions3724related to flight crew configurations.37253726    Question 5. Do you support more simulation and scenario-based3727training for pilots?3728    Answer. If confirmed, I will support efforts to enhance structured3729pilot training, including increased use of simulator and scenario-based3730methods. These tools offer valuable opportunities to reinforce critical3731decision-making and preparedness in a controlled, high-fidelity3732environment that complements traditional training.37333734    Question 6. Will you review pending applications for sustainable3735aviation fuels and technologies awards to ensure a timely and fair3736response process?3737    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the FAA's processes for3738evaluating applications related to sustainable aviation fuels and3739emerging technologies to ensure they are handled in a timely,3740transparent, and fair manner. Supporting innovation in this area is3741essential.3742                                 ______37433744Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Shelley Moore Capito to37453746                             Bryan Bedford3747Question 1--NOTAM Improvement Act Update3748    Mr. Bedford, thank you for being here today and thank you for the3749conversation we had last week. I appreciate your deep aviation3750experience and your willingness to serve.3751    Senator Klobuchar, Moran, and I worked to get the NOTAM Improvement3752Act signed into law, and I understand that the system should be fully3753upgraded by September, but this an important safety system that has3754failed 2 times this year. I along with Senator Klobuchar and others are3755still waiting for a response to a letter we sent to the FAA on April 3.3756But while a new system this year may be a big improvement it may not be3757perfect and could see challenges when it first is coming online.37583759   What do you plan to do on day 1 to bolster the NO-TAM System3760        to ensure there are not future outages and that the new system3761        is a success?3762    Answer. If confirmed, on day one, I will work to ensure the3763transition to the new NOTAM system is executed safely and reliably. I3764understand the critical nature of this system and the disruptions its3765failures can cause. I will prioritize testing, contingency planning,3766and strong internal oversight to mitigate risk during the rollout. I3767will also ensure timely follow-up on outstanding Congressional3768correspondence, including your April 3 letter, and maintain open3769communication on progress and performance.3770Question 2--ATC Upgrade Transparency3771    There is strong bipartisan support for upgrading our air traffic3772control system. This is not a new idea as NextGen was first announced3773nearly 20 years ago and we have not seen the promised benefits.3774    I commend Secretary Duffy for making this a top priority. One3775priority I would like to see is transparency when the FAA is spending3776tons of money for a system upgrade. I have been told this money is hard3777to track because the way the FAA buys new systems is complex,37783779   But do you agree that taxpayers deserve to see how their3780        money is being spent on A-T-C upgrades in a clear way?3781    Answer. Yes, I agree that taxpayers deserve clear, transparent3782accounting for how public funds are spent on ATC modernization. While I3783understand the FAA's procurement processes can be complex, that cannot3784be a barrier to accountability. If confirmed, I will work with agency3785leadership to ensure that spending on modernization efforts is better3786communicated to the public and Congress, and I will support efforts to3787improve how progress and costs are tracked and reported.3788Question 3--WV Airports3789    In West Virginia there are 7 commercial service airports but many3790have aging equipment and some that does not work anymore--like the3791FAA's lighting tower system at Morgantown Airport that is rusted out3792and means that more flights will have to be diverted in less than ideal3793visibility conditions.3794    There are other examples at my hometown airport in Charleston which3795has the oldest glide-scope still in use from 1987, its approach3796lighting system was built in 1958, and its Tower cab is from 1950. It's3797TRACON (``tray-con'') is also from the 50s and would be a great3798location for expansion.37993800   Will you prioritize improving rural airports that have3801        extensive deferred maintenance and broken equipment?3802    Answer. I recognize the vital role rural airports play in3803connecting communities and supporting local economies. Deferred3804maintenance and outdated infrastructure, like the examples you3805mentioned in Morgantown and Charleston, present real challenges to3806safety and service. If confirmed, I will work to ensure the FAA's3807infrastructure investment strategy includes a strong focus on rural and3808regional airports with aging equipment, and I will engage with your3809office to better understand the needs in West Virginia.3810Question 4--Pilot Mental Health3811    One topic I would like to touch on is pilot mental health. It is a3812very stressful job and while many other fields have benefited from3813resources in this space a culture of silence still exists for pilots.3814Many pilots are afraid to admit or be treated for something in the3815fears that it will penalize their careers.38163817   Do you agree that we should work to have an improved mental3818        health system for our pilots?3819    Answer. I agree that improving the approach to pilot mental health3820is essential. While safety must remain paramount, I believe we can3821reduce the stigma around seeking help and modernize how we support3822pilots' mental wellness. If confirmed, I will work with experts,3823industry, and pilot groups to identify responsible, evidence-based3824improvements that support safety and promote a healthier, more3825transparent culture within the profession.3826Question 5--WV Flight Schools3827    In West Virginia we have 2 excellent part 141 pilot schools at3828Marshall University and at Fairmont State University. These schools are3829extremely popular, but I have heard of difficulties in getting3830designated pilot examiners or DPEs to certify new pilots. There have3831been some changes in the past so that DPEs are not limited to specific3832states, but that has not served smaller rural states like mine as well3833as originally thought. We want more qualified pilots to take to the3834skies and not have to wait and wait to be certified38353836   Can you commit to working with me to improve the DPE program3837        and the self-certification option for Part 141 schools?3838    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with you and FAA leadership to3839address ongoing challenges in the DPE system, including availability in3840rural states. I'll also review the self-certification process for Part3841141 schools to identify whether further flexibility or oversight3842adjustments could improve pilot certification timelines without3843compromising safety or standards.3844                                 ______38453846   Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to3847                             Bryan Bedford3848    1500-hour Rule. Mr. Bedford, you have criticized the 1,500-hour3849rule, claiming it, quote, ``does nothing to further the goal of3850increased flight safety.'' However, since this rule took effect,3851commercial aviation fatalities have dropped by over 99 percent compared3852to the two decades prior.3853    As the FAA Administrator, you would have the authority to award3854flight credit hours that could allow pilots to get their Airline3855Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with less than 1,500 hours of flight3856time. Your company, Republic Airways (Republic), petitioned the FAA in38572022 for an exemption from the 1,500-hour rule. FAA denied your3858petition.38593860    Question 1. Mr. Bedford, if confirmed, will you commit not to3861authorize additional pathways for commercial pilots that would result3862in a reduction of the 1,500-hour total flight time requirement?3863    Answer. If confirmed, my highest priority will be maintaining and3864enhancing the safety of the U.S. aviation system. I recognize the3865importance of the Aviation Safety Act of 2010 and the significant3866reduction in commercial aviation fatalities since its implementation.3867Any decisions involving pilot certification standards, including flight3868hour requirements, will be based on data, improved safety outcomes, and3869a transparent rulemaking process. I will not authorize any changes that3870would compromise safety, and I will ensure that any evaluation of3871alternative pathways adheres strictly to statutory authority and3872established FAA procedures.38733874    Question 2. When we met in my office, you said that concerns about3875your intentions for the 1500-hour rule were a ``distraction.'' You3876could help ease these concerns by committing to recuse yourself for3877your full 5-year term from working on any petition filed by Republic3878seeking an exemption from the 1,500-hour rule. Will you make this3879commitment? If not, please explain why not.3880    Answer. If confirmed, I will fully comply with all applicable3881ethics rules and guidance, including any required recusals related to3882my previous role at Republic Airways. I understand the importance of3883avoiding any perception of conflicts of interest and will act3884accordingly. I will ensure that any decisions regarding Republic--or3885any other former affiliation--are handled in accordance with all3886Federal ethics obligations to maintain public trust and uphold the3887FAA's integrity.38883889    Spectrum Auction Impacts on Aviation Safety. Last week, the3890Commerce Committee released reconciliation text, which was drafted3891without Democratic Members of this Committee, leaving them out of the3892discussion. It proposes to sell off at least 100 megahertz in the upper3893C-Band for high-power use within 2 years. I understand the FCC and3894telecom industry would like the full 220 megahertz in that band to be3895auctioned within 2 years.3896    As you know, this band is directly adjacent to the band that3897aircraft radio altimeters use, and studies show this will lead to3898interference. Joint studies by National Telecommunications and3899Information Administration, the aviation industry, and the Department3900of Defense have concluded that new radio altimeters will need to be3901installed on all aircraft to safely operate with this interference.3902    The standards for those altimeters are not slated to be finalized3903until 2027--the same year this band is set to be auctioned. And after3904that, the FAA must certify the new altimeters, original equipment3905manufacturers (OEMs) must ensure their altimeters are manufactured to3906meet these certification specifications, and the industry must install3907them on the commercial fleet.39083909    Question 1. Given our strained air traffic control system, do you3910believe auctioning the upper C-Band in 2 years would pose a further3911risk to aviation safety?3912    Answer. Without access to the full scope of FAA's internal3913assessments and data, I'm not in a position to offer an informed3914judgment on the timing of any specific spectrum auction. That said, I3915understand the concerns raised by the proximity of this band to3916frequencies used by critical aviation systems. If confirmed, I would3917prioritize reviewing the technical analysis and engaging proactively3918with relevant agencies to ensure our public aviation safety concerns3919are fully addressed in any relevant decision.39203921    Question 2. Do you think this could cause a repeat of the chaos we3922faced in 2021?3923    Answer. I am aware that the events of 2021 highlighted significant3924gaps in coordination and planning. However, without full access to the3925technical evaluations currently underway, I would not want to speculate3926on future outcomes. If confirmed, I would work to ensure the FAA3927remains actively engaged in cross-agency planning and mitigation3928efforts to prevent any recurrence of operational disruptions3929experienced in 2021.39303931    Question 3. When we met in my office before your hearing, you3932indicated this proposal would endanger aviation safety and pose serious3933risk to the flying public. You seemed to walk back this position at the3934hearing. What changed?3935    Answer. My intention in both settings has been to emphasize that3936aviation safety must be fully evaluated before any final decisions are3937made. If confirmed, I would carefully review the agency's analysis and3938ensure that safety concerns continue to be voiced clearly, objectively,3939and proactively in any interagency process.39403941    Question 4. If confirmed, can we trust that the positions you take3942on aviation safety matters in private will be the same as those you3943take in public?3944    Answer. Transparency and consistency are essential to public trust3945in the FAA's work. If confirmed, I would be committed to ensuring that3946the positions I take--whether in public or private--are guided by the3947same principles: safety, data, and the public interest.39483949    Question 5. What technical steps would be necessary to replace3950existing aircraft altimeters with upgraded altimeters or filters that3951could tolerate high-power use in an adjacent band?3952    Answer. Replacing altimeters involves developing performance3953standards, FAA certification, OEM manufacturing, and fleet-wide3954installation. The technical steps will depend on a number of variables,3955and I would rely heavily on FAA's subject matter experts and industry3956collaboration to navigate this complex process if confirmed.39573958    Question 6. How much do you think it would cost to replace existing3959aircraft altimeters with upgraded altimeters that could tolerate high-3960power use in an adjacent band?3961    Answer. Cost estimates vary and depend on factors such as aircraft3962type and installation logistics. Without FAA's and the industry's3963detailed analysis, I cannot provide precise figures but I would support3964transparent, data-driven cost assessments moving forward.39653966    Question 7. How long do you think it would take to replace existing3967aircraft altimeters with upgraded altimeters that could tolerate high-3968power use in an adjacent band?3969    Answer. Timelines will depend on many factors, including when3970standards are finalized, the availability of certified equipment, and3971operator readiness. Without access to current FAA implementation3972planning, I cannot give a precise estimate. If confirmed, I would make3973it a priority to understand the scope of the challenge and support a3974well-coordinated, safety-first transition.39753976    ADS-B In and ADS-B Out and the Safe Operation of Shared Airspace3977Act. The DCA mid-air collision exposed multiple safety oversight3978failures, such as the Army's routine use of the ADS-B Out exemption,3979failed oversight of flight routes near DCA, and a lack of coordination3980between the FAA and Department of Defense. The DCA Families and the3981Lilley Family deserve our dedicated attention.3982    I introduced the Safe Operation of Shared Airspace Act earlier this3983month with Senators Duckworth, Klobuchar, Warnock, Kaine, Warner, and3984Markey to address specific safety gaps identified by the DCA mid-air3985collision.3986    One critical gap is the abuse of the ADS-B Out exemption. While3987FAA's rule says ADS-B Out deactivation should not be routine, the Army3988adopted a policy of routinely deactivating ADS-B Out for all missions3989in the National Capital Region--despite operating in the same airspace3990as commercial aircraft.39913992    Question 1. Do you agree that the Army and other Federal agencies3993should not be allowed to operate flights on a routine basis in the3994National Capital Region unless ADS-B Out is actively transmitting?3995    Answer. Ensuring consistent ADS-B Out operation in congested3996airspace is critical for safety. Further, I support evaluating and3997enforcing policies that promote effective use of ADS-B Out by all3998operators, including previously exempted Federal agencies.39994000    Question 2. Do you support our bill's efforts to ensure stronger4001FAA oversight of the ADS-B Out rule and close this ADS-B Out loophole?4002    Answer. Strengthening FAA oversight to address gaps in ADS-B Out4003compliance aligns with maintaining safe, shared airspace. I look4004forward to reviewing the bill's provisions and working collaboratively4005to enhance safety.40064007    Question 3. In 2008, the NTSB recommended that FAA mandate ADS-B4008In, not just ADS-B Out, in controlled airspace. A 2019 NTSB4009investigation highlighted how ADS-B In traffic alerting systems would4010have helped prevent a midair collision in Alaska. Our bill would act on4011NTSB's recommendation to require ADS-B In. Do you believe installing4012ADS-B In would improve situational awareness for commercial pilots in4013complex airspace near busy airspace?4014    Answer. ADS-B In has the potential to improve pilot situational4015awareness in complex environments, especially on the ground to avoid4016runway conflicts. I recognize the NTSB's recommendations and would4017support careful evaluation of benefits and implementation challenges.40184019    Question 4. If confirmed, do you commit to working with me and this4020Committee to advance opportunities to increase the installation of ADS-4021B In on commercial aircraft for the purposes of improving situational4022awareness for pilots and safe separation between aircraft?4023    Answer. If confirmed, I would welcome working with you and the4024Committee to explore opportunities to enhance situational awareness4025through ADS-B In, consistent with FAA safety and operational4026priorities.40274028    Reforming FAA's Safety Management Systems. FAA's Air Traffic4029Organization (ATO) has its own Safety Management System (SMS), which is4030supposed to provide a structured approach to identifying, analyzing,4031and mitigating safety risks in the National Airspace System. On March403228, 2025, there was a serious close call at DCA between a Delta flight4033and an Air Force T-38 jet.4034    On May 1, 2025, we saw yet another incident involving an Army Black4035Hawk helicopter--this time disrupting two commercial flights coming on4036approach to DCA. FAA's Aviation Safety Office also has its own SMS. It4037was troubling to learn from NTSB's investigative report on the DCA4038collision that so much available safety data on close calls pointed to4039the possibility of future incidents.4040    This situation is serious: we need to know the root cause of why4041warning signs were missed at DCA and if any safety management decisions4042at the ATO and Aviation Safety Office are affecting FAA's ability to4043prevent future incidents.40444045    Question 1. Do you think FAA ATO's SMS is working? Why or why not?4046    Answer. FAA's Safety Management System plays a vital role in4047identifying and mitigating risks. Recent incidents suggest there is4048reason to believe that further review and improvement to the ATO SMS4049are warranted.40504051    Question 2. Do you think FAA's Aviation Safety Office's SMS is4052working? Why or why not?4053    Answer. Similar to the ATO, the Aviation Safety Office's SMS is a4054critical layer of safety oversight in our consolidated Agency SMS4055design. However, given recent events, it's important to assess whether4056existing processes are fully effective.40574058    Question 3. Do you believe lines of business within the FAA are4059coordinating effectively enough with each other to address safety4060issues managed across different offices at the agency? Why or why not?4061    Answer. Cross department coordination, within the FAA, is essential4062for proactive and effective safety oversight. Based on the limited4063access I was given to senior FAA leaders prior to accepting President4064Trumps nomination, I believe lines of communication and collaborative4065efforts must improve to ensure optimal information sharing and4066proactive response.40674068    Question 4. As discussed, I introduced the Safe Operations in4069Shared Airspace Act, which would establish an expert review panel to4070ensure an effective and integrated SMS across all FAA offices. If4071confirmed, will you commit to support the establishment of this expert4072panel?4073    Answer. I am open to exploring ways to enhance safety management,4074including considering expert input to promote integration across FAA4075offices.40764077    Arrival Rates at DCA. DCA typically has a maximum arrival rate of407832 commercial flights per hour. In response to the DCA mid-air4079collision, FAA reduced the hourly arrival rate to be as low as 26.4080However, both NTSB and FAA have identified that DCA's arrivals are4081dangerously concentrated in the last 30 minutes of each hour rather4082than spread evenly throughout the hour.4083    Given the over 15,000 close proximity events in the three years4084before the crash, I'm concerned that current arrival management is4085adding unnecessary risk to the air traffic control system and strain on4086controllers.40874088    Question 1. Do you believe that stacking flights at the last half4089of an hour for flight arrivals at DCA--instead of spreading out4090arrivals throughout the whole hour--is detrimental to safety?4091    Answer. The concentration of arrivals in a short time-frame can4092present challenges that merit careful evaluation for safety impacts.40934094    Question 2. Do you think this practice of stacking flights is4095adding strain or workload to controllers' ability to manage air traffic4096at DCA?4097    Answer. Managing high volumes in compressed periods likely4098increases workload, which should be assessed to support controller4099effectiveness.41004101    Question 3. If confirmed, will you commit to requiring a4102comprehensive safety review of arrival and departure rates at DCA?4103    Answer. I understand the concerns raised, and I believe this issue4104may merit further review. However, I would need access to the full set4105of operational and safety data before determining whether a formal4106safety review is necessary. Understanding the accident that took place4107on January 29, 2025, I am sure a number of reviews are underway by both4108the FAA and the NTSB. Therefore, I would like to assess these reviews4109and their findings to determine what other reviews may be necessary.41104111    Ensuring FAA as a Stronger Safety Regulator. The 737 MAX crashes4112exposed serious oversight deficiencies at the FAA. And the recent DCA4113mid-air collision--which exposed multiple safety loopholes--highlights4114the need for stronger, more proactive FAA oversight.41154116    Question 1. Mr. Bedford, based on your knowledge of the 737 MAX4117tragedies, what key lessons will shape your approach to leading the4118FAA, and what type of regulator do you intend to be if confirmed?4119    Answer. The 737 MAX tragedies underscore the need for independent,4120data-driven oversight and clear accountability. If confirmed, I would4121approach the role with a strong commitment to safety, transparency, and4122public trust, ensuring the FAA acts decisively on credible safety4123concerns.41244125    Question 2. What specific steps will you take to show that you are4126prioritizing aviation safety above the interests of the airlines and4127other organizations you have been affiliated with?4128    Answer. If confirmed, my comprehensive ethics agreement ensures my4129complete separation from the aviation industry, which includes on-going4130recusals. I will work tirelessly to enhance regulatory compliance and4131enforcement for rule breakers. My North Star will be improving public4132safety and oversight for operators and manufacturers.41334134    FAA Oversight of Aviation Manufacturers. Last year, the DOT4135Inspector General raised serious red flags about FAA's oversight of4136Boeing. In August 2023--the same month the defective Alaska Airlines4137flight 1282 fuselage with faulty rivets was being shipped to Seattle--4138FAA officials were attempting to delegate to Boeing final safety4139inspections of aircraft coming off the production line, despite ongoing4140manufacturing quality issues.4141    I sent a letter to FAA on this issue in April 2025 to make sure FAA4142is doing its job to closely analyze and verify Boeing's actions related4143to delegation. We all want to see engineering and manufacturing4144excellence restored at Boeing. But this requires stronger oversight4145from FAA to hold manufacturers to the highest safety standards--and4146listening to the engineers and whistleblowers who raise safety issues.41474148    Question 1. What do you think are the root causes of FAA's4149deficient oversight of aviation manufacturers, like those cited in last4150year's DOT OIG report? How will you fix them?4151    Answer. I believe the findings point to gaps in workforce capacity,4152consistency in oversight, and transparency in delegation processes. If4153confirmed, I would evaluate the FAA's current response to the OIG's4154recommendations and work with internal teams to ensure strong oversight4155mechanisms are in place. Enforcement actions may also be proper to4156effect necessary improvements.41574158    Question 2. In February 2024, former FAA Administrator Whitaker4159required Boeing to submit a plan to overhaul the company's approach to4160production quality. He required in-person quarterly visits with Boeing4161to personally oversee compliance with FAA requirements. If confirmed,4162will you commit to requiring similar in-person quarterly meetings in4163order to take a hands-on oversight approach?4164    Answer. I support active engagement with manufacturers on safety4165and quality issues. If confirmed, I would evaluate the most effective4166oversight structure, including the role of in-person meetings, based on4167safety priorities and staff recommendations.41684169    Question 3. The FAA accepted all of DOT OIG's recommendations and4170committed to a schedule for implementing them. What will you do to4171ensure these recommendations are fully implemented and that FAA4172sustains these process improvements?4173    Answer. I would prioritize the creation of an implementation4174tracking document and oversight process to ensure appropriate internal4175accountability, and support building capacity to institutionalize4176improvements over time.41774178    Spokane Aerospace Tech Hub. Mr. Bedford, advanced aerospace4179technologies are critical to American competitiveness. The Spokane4180Aerospace Tech Hub represents a unique national asset--the only U.S.4181testbed capable of developing next-generation thermoplastic composite4182aircraft parts like wings, beams, and fuselage components. This4183technology will create thousands of high-skilled American jobs and4184ensure we stay ahead of competitors in Europe and Asia who are rapidly4185advancing these same capabilities.41864187    Question 1. As FAA Administrator, do you support groundbreaking4188initiatives like the Spokane Tech Hub that strengthen American4189aerospace leadership and innovation?4190    Answer. I wholeheartedly support advancing U.S. aerospace4191leadership and innovation. If confirmed, I look forward to learning4192more about the Spokane Tech Hub and similar efforts happening across4193the country, to strengthen our domestic aerospace capabilities while4194supporting the highest safety standards.41954196    Single Pilot Commercial Planes. The FAA's European civil aviation4197authority counterpart--the European Union Aviation Safety Agency4198(EASA)--is acting on a proposal to advance the reduction of the number4199of pilots required on commercial aircraft during certain periods of4200flight.4201    EASA is pursuing a certification pathway for extended single-pilot4202operations prior to the completion of a safety study.4203    Pilots undergo frequent health exams, and for good reason. But on4204numerous occasions, commercial pilots have become incapacitated or4205needed back up to attend to mental health needs during flights.4206Accidents like the Germanwings flight 9525 tragedy--involving a4207suicidal pilot, who barred their co-pilot from reentering the flight4208deck after the co-pilot left--also underscore the need for always4209ensuring redundancy on the flight deck.42104211    Question 1. In remarks at Liberty University in 2019, you appeared4212to signal an openness to single pilot commercial airline operations,4213while also stating ``there is no courage of leadership on the Hill4214right now'' to pursue this change. What benefits do you see from single4215pilot commercial operations and why do you think this is a direction4216that the aviation industry should be going in?4217    Answer. Safety is the foremost priority in any operational model.4218While industry innovation is ongoing, I believe such changes must be4219thoroughly evaluated, supported by robust safety data and public4220acceptance. I have not made any policy conclusions on this issue.42214222    Question 2. Do you have any concerns about the potential impact to4223passengers' safety from single pilot commercial operations?4224    Answer. Any change to flight deck staffing must be carefully4225scrutinized. Ensuring redundancy and pilot readiness are fundamental to4226safe operations, and I would approach any proposal in this area with4227caution.42284229    Question 3. Do you believe it's safer to have pilots rely more on4230software to make flight decisions on commercial aircraft than well-4231trained humans?4232    Answer. Automation can enhance safety, but it is not a substitute4233for human judgment. A balanced, well-integrated approach is key. We4234must ensure our active commercial pilots are maintaining their hand-4235flying skills and are not over relying on flight deck automation.42364237    Question 4. If confirmed, will you commit to oppose any effort to4238move toward single-pilot operations for U.S. commercial passenger4239flights?4240    Answer. First, I would say I am not aware of anything even remotely4241close to this sort of technology coming to market over the next 5-104242years. That said, the FAA would need to evaluate the data, operational4243risks, cyber risks, public perception, and stakeholder input before4244taking a formal position. My priority will always be ensuring that any4245decision aligns with FAA's safety mission.42464247    Air Traffic Control System Upgrades. The Committee's questionnaire4248asked why you wished to serve as Administrator. In your response, you4249identified several factors contributing to FAA's failure in to4250modernize the air traffic control (ATC) system. You then claimed, ``the4251root cause of FAA's inability to complete its mission to modernize air4252traffic systems and effectively manage safety is the lack of strategic4253vision and competent leadership.''42544255    Question 1. What makes you confident your leadership will succeed4256where previous FAA Administrators have failed?4257    Answer. I would not say that prior Administrators failed, but4258priorities changed. We have a unique alignment to finally achieve the4259modernization goals of the past two decades. In that effort, I bring to4260the table a proven record of operational, executive, and industry4261leadership experience unlike that of any Administrator in the last4262quarter century. If confirmed, I would focus on establishing clear,4263measurable goals and objectives for the Agency and its management team.4264I would develop a clear strategy of execution, accountability, and4265empowering the FAA's workforce to meet modernization goals. Finally, I4266would transparently communicate and collaborate with Congressional4267oversight to ensure necessary oversight is accomplished in a bipartisan4268manner for the benefit of the Agency and the traveling public.42694270    Question 2. Which former FAA Administrators did you consult in4271arriving at these conclusions about FAA's challenges?4272    Answer. My views are based on years of direct experience4273interacting with the FAA as a regulated entity and industry4274stakeholder. If confirmed, I intend to engage with former4275Administrators to benefit from their insights.42764277    Question 3. You mentioned the following contributing factors to the4278ATC system's persistent problems: 1) lack of budget predictability, 2)4279lack of staff resources, 3) onerous agreements, 4) chronic age of the4280facilities, and 5) obsolete current telecommunications technology. What4281is your specific plan to address problems posed by FAA's aging air4282traffic facilities?4283    Answer. Secretary Duffy is leading an effort to build a brand new,4284state of the art air traffic control system, to address the aging4285infrastructure and workforce shortages. If confirmed, I would need to4286fully review those plans, the current status of planning, and any4287resource or implementation gaps before determining what additional4288steps may be necessary. Addressing these infrastructure and workforce4289issues effectively will be critical to supporting safety, reliability,4290and system capacity.42914292    Question 4. Do you support consolidation over replacing outdated4293towers?4294    Answer. I would need to review the specific cost-benefit and4295operational analyses for each case. Decisions should be guided by4296safety, service levels, and resource optimization.42974298    FAA Aircraft Certification Staffing. The FAA's budget request for4299Fiscal Year 2026 includes funding to hire 32 new Aviation Safety4300Inspectors and Aviation Safety Engineers for FAA's Aircraft4301Certification Service.4302    I understand that senior Aircraft Certification personnel at FAA4303are concerned that it's difficult to hire new experienced personnel4304because of the historic pay difference with industry and, more4305recently, because of the generally negative attitude towards Federal4306employees from this Administration and resulting impediments to hiring.4307With the retirement of many senior managers and technical experts,4308finding qualified replacements is more important than ever.43094310    Question 1. What will you do to ensure that FAA recruits and hires4311qualified people with the necessary expertise to fulfill FAA's aircraft4312certification responsibilities?4313    Answer. I recognize the staffing challenges and would support FAA4314efforts to improve recruitment pipelines, compensation structures, and4315career development to attract and retain the best, brightest, and most4316qualified individuals for the job.43174318    Question 2. If the current Administration proposes larger cuts in4319FAA's workforce, would you voice opposition to those ideas if you knew4320the FAA would be harmed by them?4321    Answer. My role would be to provide fact-based assessments of4322operational impacts. If confirmed, I would advocate for the resources4323needed to meet FAA's safety and certification responsibilities.43244325    Implementing the FAA Law_Whistleblower Protections. FAA4326Administrators have repeatedly testified before this Committee that4327retaliation against whistleblowers who report safety concerns will not4328be tolerated. But FAA has had legal authority to impose civil penalties4329against companies that retaliate against individuals who report safety4330concerns since 2000 but has rarely used it.4331    That's why we took action in our 2024 FAA law and gave FAA4332additional authority to impose civil penalties through its4333administrative enforcement program. Despite this effort, the FAA4334recently took the position that it still had no such authority.43354336    Question 1. Yes or no, if confirmed, do you commit to using FAA's4337enforcement authority against companies that retaliate against4338individuals who report safety concerns?4339    Answer. I take whistleblower protections seriously and support4340using all available authority to ensure individuals can report concerns4341without fear of retaliation. I would consult with FAA's legal and4342enforcement teams to ensure proper application of the law.43434344    Contract Tower and Contract Weather Observer Programs. The FAA has4345two successful government-industry partnerships in the Contract Tower4346and Contract Weather Observer programs. The contract tower program4347provides vital air traffic safety services with 265 smaller airports4348participating in the program, including seven in Washington. These4349towers support Department of Defense flight training operations and4350military readiness, general aviation and rural air service operations,4351and flight schools all across the country. Contract towers account for4352approximately 30 percent of all tower operations in the nation, and4353about 70 percent of contract controllers are veterans. The program also4354continues to get high marks from the DOT Inspector General. Similarly,4355the contract weather observer program supports weather observers at 1354356airports nationwide, providing essential manual observations that4357supplement the automated weather observation systems.43584359    Question 1. What assurances can you give me and my colleagues that4360contract towers will be a high priority for you?4361    Answer. I value the role contract towers play in the national4362airspace system, especially for smaller and rural airports, as well as4363pilot development and training. If confirmed, I would work to ensure4364they receive proper support and attention.43654366    Question 2. Staffing shortages continue to be a challenge4367throughout the industry, including contract towers. What measures can4368FAA and the industry undertake collaboratively to address staffing4369challenges at these towers?4370    Answer. Addressing staffing shortages will require collaboration4371with training institutions, industry partners, and veterans'4372organizations. If confirmed, I would work to strengthen recruitment4373pipelines and improve retention strategies.43744375    Question 3. Given the numerous runway incursion close calls we have4376seen in the past few years, including those due to weather conditions,4377can you elaborate on why it is necessary that the FAA continue to4378maintain the Contract Weather Observer program to ensure that there is4379a human visual backup for aircraft safety considering that the4380Automated Surface/Weather Observing Systems (ASOS/AWOS) have4381technological limitations?4382    Answer. While automated systems have improved, human observers4383provide critical judgment in dynamic conditions. If confirmed, I would4384evaluate the program's current performance and safety contributions as4385part of broader operational planning.43864387    Commercial Space Transportation Regulations. Mr. Bedford, Under the4388Commercial Space Launch Act of 1984 (51 U.S.C. Sec. 50901), the4389Secretary of Transportation must oversee the conduct of commercial4390launch and reentry operations and issue licenses authorizing those4391operations, as well as facilitate, and promote the U.S. commercial4392space transportation sector. In 1995, the Secretary delegated this4393responsibility to the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation4394(AST).4395    In the last several years, the launch industry has been growing4396increasingly frustrated with perceived delays in processing licenses4397and approving launches and reentries. These problems will only get4398worse as the commercial space industry grows.4399    Last year, the office licensed 156 launches, which is a 33 percent4400increase from 2023, and a 97 percent increase from 2022. 85 percent of4401last year's licensed launches were conducted by SpaceX, including 44402Starship launches, which means that SpaceX receives more time and4403attention from the FAA than any other launch company.44044405    Question 1. Will you commit to ensuring that the Office of4406Commercial Space Transportation remains sufficiently staffed to be4407responsive to the needs of the entire commercial space launch industry4408while also protecting public safety?4409    Answer. I recognize the importance of the commercial space sector4410and the FAA's dual role in enabling innovation and ensuring safety. If4411confirmed, I would assess whether current resources are sufficient to4412meet growing demands and work to ensure proper staffing such that4413Agency can timely respond to increasing demands.44144415    Question 2. Smaller innovators and new start commercial space4416companies often struggle to compete against well established players.4417What role do you see the FAA playing in ensuring the government fosters4418a diversified ecosystem of space providers to increase resiliency and4419reduce dependency on any single company?4420    Answer. FAA should maintain a level playing field by applying its4421safety and licensing criteria consistently. It is in the national4422interest to support a broad and competitive commercial space industry.44234424    Elon Musk. Mr. Bedford, although it seems Elon Musk will be4425spending less time in Washington at least in the near term, DOGE's4426harmful impacts are still being felt throughout the Federal government.4427We need an FAA Administrator who will do what's right for aviation4428safety--not what Elon Musk's embedded team of DOGE staffers might tell4429them to do.44304431    Question 1. I understand Mr. Musk contacted you directly when you4432were under consideration for the FAA Administrator position. Please4433describe this conversation and specify when it occurred.4434    Answer. On February 25, 2025, I had a brief conversation with Mr.4435Musk. The conversation involved us getting to know one another on a4436personal level. He asked me what I thought were some of the FAA's most4437significant challenges. I told him obsolete equipment, aged4438infrastructure, and workforce shortages would be at the top of my list4439of concerns. He agreed; and that was it. I have not had any further4440contact with him since that one phone call.44414442    Question 2. Did Mr. Musk raise DOGE's plans for FAA? If so, please4443describe what was discussed.4444    Answer. No, he did not.44454446    Question 3. Did Mr. Musk raise the state of FAA's workforce? If so,4447please describe what was discussed.4448    Answer. No, he did not.44494450    Question 4. Did Mr. Musk raise any issue related to FAA's Office of4451Commercial Space Transportation? If so, please describe what was4452discussed.4453    Answer. No, he did not.44544455    Question 5. Did Mr. Musk raise any other FAA office, program, or4456policy? If so, please specify and describe what was discussed.4457    Answer. Yes, he mentioned that he believed a big problem for the4458Agency was the lack of software tools and internal development4459capabilities, which I agreed could be an area of opportunity for rapid4460improvement. This would be most immediately applicable to SMS data4461assessment.44624463    Question 6. Did you disagree with any views Mr. Musk expressed4464about FAA? If so, please specify which views and why.4465    Answer. Yes, he believed the Agency should have a technologist as4466the next Administrator. I countered that the Agency could hire or4467contract for competent technology help. The next Administrator, I4468believed, needed to be a proven, experienced executive with strong4469strategic and leadership skills and ideally would have a deep4470understanding of SMS.44714472    Question 7. Did you think it was appropriate for Mr. Musk to4473contact you like this?4474    Answer. I had no issue with Mr. Musk contacting me.44754476    Question 8. Did Mr. Musk contact you at any other time after your4477nomination was announced? If so, please describe any such conversation4478and specify when it occurred.4479    Answer. No, he has not.44804481    Credentials. Mr. Bedford, you said ``transparency'' is one of the4482top challenges facing the FAA. We absolutely need a leader at the4483agency who is transparent and does not misrepresent the facts. I am4484concerned, however, that you have not always been fully candid about4485your background.4486    For years, the biography on your company's website represented that4487you hold ``commercial'' pilot ratings. It said this as recently as4488December 2024. But now that you have been nominated to lead FAA, this4489credential has been scrubbed from your online biography.44904491    Question 1. Mr. Bedford, you do not currently hold commercial pilot4492ratings, correct?4493    Answer. It is true I fully completed all my commercial flight4494training, including the FAA written exam and FAA oral exam. However,4495due to weather, I was unable to complete my FAA check ride before4496switching jobs, and therefore did not formally obtain my commercial4497flight license.44984499    Question 2. You never held commercial pilot ratings, correct?4500    Answer. Correct.45014502    Question 3. But as recently as October 2019, you indicated during4503remarks at Liberty University that you had commercial pilot ratings,4504stating: ``Between like, 1994-1997, I went through private, instrument,4505multi-engine, commercial, and by the time we got to our next labor4506negotiation three years later, I had all my ratings.'' Why did you4507claim to have commercial pilot ratings at this time?4508    Answer. Context is important in this setting. I was simply trying4509to relate to these students' my appreciation for their achievements4510based on my own extensive flight training experience. I still fly, as a4511pilot, on a regular basis.45124513    Question 4. In declarations filed with a Federal bankruptcy court4514in 2016 and 2017, respectively, you declared under penalty of perjury:4515``[I] am a licensed pilot and certified public accountant.'' However,4516although you obtained a CPA license in 1986, your license was ``null4517and void'' as of 1987. Mr. Bedford, you have not been authorized to4518practice as a CPA for over 25 years, correct?4519    Answer. Our bankruptcy filings were prepared by highly competent4520lawyers who were aware of my background and the fact that I was not4521holding myself out as a current, practicing CPA on behalf of Republic4522Airways, or anyone else. I have not practiced professionally as a CPA4523since 1987.45244525    Question 5. I understand mistakes happen, but we need an FAA4526Administrator who won't play fast and loose with the facts. Will you4527commit to being fully transparent with Congress from the outset, even4528when the facts are inconvenient?4529    Answer. Yes. Transparency and accountability are essential for4530public service.45314532    Prior Support for Diversity Initiatives. Mr. Bedford, in your4533company's April 2022 petition for an exemption from the 1500-hour rule,4534you argued that granting your petition would help advance a ``renewed4535industry-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.'' And you4536acknowledged in your petition that promoting access for4537underrepresented groups, particularly minorities and women, would have4538``no adverse impact on safety.''45394540    Question 1. Based on your petition, you must agree that we can4541promote diversity and access to aviation professions for4542underrepresented groups, including minorities and women, without4543compromising safety, correct?4544    Answer. Promoting greater access to the transformational careers in4545the aviation profession, for all individuals, regardless of their4546financial means, is of immense importance to me personally. However, I4547would never allow someone who is not competent to operate an aircraft4548or provide access to the flight deck just because they checked a4549particular box. I commend President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their4550air traffic controller workforce initiative which will allow the best4551people the opportunity to train to become a licensed Air Traffic4552Controller, regardless of their financial status.4553                                 ______45544555   Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Edward Markey to4556                             Bryan Bedford4557    Question 1. Will you commit to recuse yourself from working on any4558matter involving Republic during your full tenure as Administrator?4559    Answer. If confirmed, I will fully comply with all applicable4560ethics laws and obligations, including recusal requirements. I will4561consult with FAA ethics officials to ensure that any necessary recusals4562are handled appropriately.45634564    Question 2. When officials from the FAA appeared before the Senate4565Commerce Committee last month, they said they had conducted an analysis4566of the effects of DOGE workforce cuts and delayed resignation offers on4567aviation safety.4568    They promised to share that analysis but have not yet done so.4569    If confirmed, can you commit to sharing that analysis with the4570Committee?4571    Answer. If confirmed, I would review the analysis in question to4572better understand any legal, procedural, or security considerations4573that may apply. Subject to those factors, I am committed to ensuring4574appropriate transparency with the Committee.4575                                 ______45764577    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Gary Peters to4578                             Bryan Bedford4579    Question 1. Mr. Bedford, the FAA Reauthorization Act includes4580provisions I championed to ensure a quick transition to new non-PFAS4581firefighting foam and to provide financial resources to airports to4582help make that transition. To do that, we need to fund the PFAS4583Replacement Program for Airports.45844585    a. If confirmed, will you commit to moving this program?4586    Answer. I recognize the importance of helping airports transition4587away from PFAS-based firefighting foams, and if confirmed, I will4588review the current status of the program and work to ensure it moves4589forward consistent with Congressional direction.45904591    b. Additionally, if confirmed, will you advocate for fully funding4592this program in accordance with Congressional intent to support4593airports in their transition away from PFAS foams?4594    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Department and4595stakeholders to assess funding needs and ensure alignment with4596Congressional intent, subject to the overall budget process and4597priorities.45984599    Question 2. I am concerned that the Department's Deferred4600Resignation Program which has resulted in the loss of hundreds of FAA4601staff will undermine aviation safety and our ability to recruit and4602retain air traffic controllers. These losses included aeronautical4603information specialists, technical staff that help operate air traffic4604control equipment, and staff that hire and conduct background checks on4605new air traffic controllers.46064607    a. Do you agree that the loss of thousands of FAA support staff4608could undermine aviation safety and your ability to recruit and retain4609controllers?4610    Answer. The FAA's workforce is critical to the agency's mission. It4611is my understanding that safety-critical positions were not eligible to4612participate in the program. If confirmed, I would work to ensure the4613FAA has proper staffing levels to carry out its core mission of safety.46144615    b. What is your plan to address that concern?4616    Answer. If confirmed, I intend to review staffing shortfalls across4617the agency. Ensuring FAA has the workforce it needs to safely operate,4618fulfill its public safety mission, engage in the comprehensive4619modernization of the ATC system and grow our National Airspace System4620would be a top priority.46214622    Question 3. As part of the FAA Reauthorization, I authored a4623provision--with several Republicans on this committee--that instructed4624DOT to permanently establish the Women in Aviation Advisory Committee.4625Women make up less than 10 percent of licensed pilots and less than 34626percent of aviation maintenance technicians. Recruiting more women is a4627necessity if we're going to address these workforce shortages.46284629    a. If confirmed, do you commit to supporting the implementation of4630this provision and taking recommendations from the committee into4631consideration when crafting workforce related policies at the FAA?4632    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Department to understand4633the current status of this provision and how it is being implemented. I4634value efforts to strengthen and diversify the aviation workforce with4635the best skilled individuals we can attract. I would carefully review4636the Committee's recommendations as part of that broader effort.46374638    Question 4. The U.S. has had a long history of requiring two-pilots4639on the flight deck for commercial flight operations.46404641    a. If confirmed, are you committed to maintaining this standard?4642    Answer. Based on current safety practices and operational4643realities, maintaining two pilots on the flight deck remains the global4644standard. I support that position, and any discussion of change would4645require a rigorous safety-based review involving all stakeholders.4646                                 ______46474648  Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to4649                             Bryan Bedford4650Question Topic: FAA Staffing4651    Question 1. If you are confirmed, will you provide me with a list4652of the job categories at FAA from which employees have been fired and/4653or accepted deferred resignation, so far, this year--and how many4654employees in each job category have left or are scheduled to leave the4655agency?4656    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Department to gather the4657requested information regarding staffing changes at the FAA. I4658understand the importance of this data for oversight, and will need to4659ensure that I consider any applicable privacy and personnel regulations4660before making that commitment.46614662    Question 2. FAA has said it is exempting from staff reductions4663employees who are performing safety critical functions. Yet the overall4664mission of FAA is safety. What positions at FAA do you believe are not4665safety critical and, in particular, which positions do you believe are4666not safety critical in the following offices:46674668    a. Air Traffic Organization?46694670    b. Aviation Safety?46714672    c. Airports?46734674    d. Audit and Evaluation?46754676    e. Security and Hazardous Materials Safety?46774678    f. Office of Commercial Space Transportation?4679    Answer. I am not presently inside the Agency. However, based on my4680review of publicly available information, it is my understanding the4681FAA employs tens of thousands of people with hundreds, if not4682thousands, of unique job positions. If confirmed, I intend to review4683staffing levels across the agency, including any potential impacts of4684deferred resignations. Ensuring FAA has the workforce it needs to4685safely operate, fulfill its public safety mission, engage in the4686comprehensive modernization of the ATC system and grow our National4687Airspace System would be a top priority.46884689    Question 3. FAA has a lot of work ahead of it to implement the FAA4690Reauthorization Act of 2024. I don't see how staff reductions will help4691FAA implement the law in full and on time. Can you guarantee to this4692committee that FAA will implement FAA Reauthorization in full and on4693time, regardless of staff reductions at FAA?4694    Answer. Implementing the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is a4695priority. If confirmed, I will work with the Department to assess4696staffing needs and ensure that the agency has the resources necessary4697to meet its obligations. I am committed to making every effort to4698fulfill the law's requirements in a timely and effective manner.4699Question Topic: Grants4700    Question 1. If confirmed, will you commit to disbursing all grant4701funding that has been awarded to Illinois in full and without undue4702delay?4703    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Department to ensure4704that grant funding awarded to Illinois is disbursed in accordance with4705applicable laws, regulations, and program requirements. Timely and4706efficient distribution of funds is important, and I am committed to4707facilitating this process within the framework established by the4708Department.4709Question Topic: Accessibility for Passengers with Disabilities4710    Question 1. According to data from the Department of4711Transportation, airlines mishandled 11,527 wheelchairs and scooters in47122023, leading to health and safety concerns for passengers with4713disabilities. In 2024, the Department finalized a rule, which set new,4714rigorous standards for assistance for passengers with disabilities--4715particularly those who use wheelchairs, mandated hands-on training for4716airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with4717disabilities and handle passengers' wheelchairs and specified actions4718that airlines must take to protect passengers when a wheelchair is4719damaged or delayed during transport. Notably, some of these4720requirements were included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. In4721February 2025, Airlines for America and its member companies filed a4722lawsuit with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, arguing4723that parts of the final regulation are ``unlawful.''47244725    a. If confirmed, will you recommend the Department of4726Transportation maintain the 2024 wheelchair rule and defend the rule4727against efforts to overturn some or all of it?4728    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Department to review the47292024 wheelchair rule. I am committed to ensuring that the safety and4730dignity of passengers with disabilities are upheld, and I will support4731the Department in its efforts to address these issues in accordance4732with the law.47334734    Question 2. Congress passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (PL4735118-63), which requires the FAA to issue regulations and guidance to4736increase safety and accessibility for passengers with disabilities and4737an aging population. If confirmed as Administrator:47384739    A. Do you commit to implementing the FAA Reauthorization Act in4740full and on time, regardless of any Executive Order that may seek to4741delay or alter the act's implementation as required by law?4742    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Department to implement4743the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 in accordance with its provisions4744and timelines, subject to any legal considerations or directives that4745may arise.47464747    B. Do you commit to placing all of the FAA Reauthorization Act's4748required regulations and guidance on the Unified Regulatory Agenda?4749    Answer. I understand there is a process to placing regulations and4750guidance on the Unified Regulatory Agenda. I will ensure that the4751required regulations and guidance are placed on the Unified Regulatory4752Agenda, as appropriate, in line with the Department's regulatory4753processes.47544755    C. Do you commit to enforcing the regulations required by the FAA4756Reauthorization Act, including the final wheelchair rule mentioned in4757Question 1 ``Wheelchair Rule'' above?4758    Answer. I am committed to enforcing all regulations that fall4759within the purview of the FAA.4760Question Topic: Sustainable Aviation Fuel4761    Question 1. In 2021, multiple U.S. Federal agencies, including4762Department of Transportation and specifically the FAA joined an4763interagency working group to roll out the SAF Grand Challenge. This was4764a historic government-wide strategy for scaling up production of SAF4765that reduces cost and expands the use of SAF across the U.S. airline4766industry, while also growing the domestic biofuels sector. SAF is a4767bipartisan topic that Senator Moran and I proudly advocate for as co-4768chairs of the Senate SAF Caucus. SAF production is critical for the4769aviation industry. It also creates new economic opportunities in4770agricultural and rural communities while reducing environmental4771impacts. It also supports U.S. energy independence and global4772competitiveness. With the goal of 3 billion gallon per year by the 20304773target, it is important that we remain committed to this goal of4774American grown, American made biofuels.47754776    a. Do you remain committed to the expansion of domestic SAF4777production and usage in this country?4778    Answer. I recognize that sustainable aviation fuel has played an4779important role in supporting the aviation industry's long-term goals.4780If confirmed, I would look forward to working with the Department and4781other agencies to better understand the status of SAF initiatives and4782how FAA can continue to support the broader policy objectives involved.47834784    Question 2. Without the inclusion of U.S. agricultural feedstock4785for SAF we will miss an incredible economic and environmental4786opportunity. That being said, some international aviation sectors have4787chosen to measure their SAF carbon intensity using the International4788Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction4789Scheme for International Aviation or ``CORSIA''. However, domestically4790we prefer Illinois' Argonne National Laboratories, Department of Energy4791commissioned the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use4792in Technologies Model or ``GREET Model'', as it correctly considers4793sustainable agricultural practices, reduced land and water uses and4794other relevant considerations in its calculations.47954796    a. Do you support the U.S. formally adopting the Argonne GREET4797model to measure our SAF carbon intensity?4798    Answer. I'm aware that the GREET model has been widely supported by4799many stakeholders due to its ability to account for U.S.-based4800agricultural practices and energy inputs. If confirmed, I would review4801how the model aligns with existing policy frameworks and consult with4802the appropriate experts and agencies before offering a position on its4803formal adoption.48044805    b. Do you support the global aviation sector adopting one single4806model to measure the carbon intensity of SAF?4807    Answer. Consistency in how carbon intensity is measured across the4808aviation sector is clearly merited, particularly for fostering4809international cooperation and market clarity. That said, different4810models may reflect different regional priorities. If confirmed, I would4811want to better understand the implications of model harmonization4812before taking a position.4813Question Topic: Federal Elections4814    Question 1. Who won the 2024 U.S. presidential election?4815    Answer. Donald Trump was the certified winner of the 20244816presidential election.48174818    Question 2. Who won the 2020 U.S. presidential election?4819    Answer. Joe Biden was the certified winner of the 2020 presidential4820election.4821                                 ______48224823   Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to4824                             Bryan Bedford4825    Question 1. Republic's Petition from 2022 to the FAA said that if4826granted would ``renewed industry-wide commitment to diversity, equity,4827and inclusion.''48284829    a. Do you still support initiatives to help underrepresented groups4830overcome barriers to the aviation industry?4831    Answer. I believe looking for ways to hire the best, brightest, and4832most qualified candidates from all communities benefits the aviation4833industry and strengthens the workforce. Merit should drive access, not4834financial means.48354836    b. Was the DCA collision earlier this year caused by DEI policies?4837    Answer. My understanding is that the DCA collision is currently4838being investigated by the FAA and NTSB. I do not want to jump to4839conclusions as to any findings on the matter.48404841    Question 2. What specific changes will you implement to update the4842Air Traffic Control systems and technologies, while maintaining or4843improving safety and reliability?4844    Answer. Under President Trump and Secretary Duffy's leadership,4845there's already an ongoing effort within the FAA to develop a4846modernization plan for the air traffic control system. If confirmed, I4847would review the current modernization plan in detail, understand where4848progress stands, and identify where additional leadership or4849coordination could help ensure improvements continue without4850compromising safety.48514852    Question 3. Under the FAA Reauthorization, the FAA was directed to4853collaborate with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and4854Medicine (NASEM) on a 12-month-long study focused on unsafe cabin4855temperatures and conditions. The FAA has recently given an update that4856they ``will finalize an agreement and funding for the project after4857defining the scope.'' Will you commit to providing an update about when4858Congress can expect the findings of this study and what else is the FAA4859doing to address unsafe cabin temperatures?4860    Answer. If confirmed, I would work with FAA staff to understand the4861current status of the study with NASEM and provide appropriate updates4862to Congress. I would also need to learn more about what additional4863actions may already be underway or may be needed to address cabin4864temperature issues effectively.48654866    Question 4. How will you collaborate with scientists or research4867organizations to improve safety, standards, and energy efficiency4868within the airline industry?4869    Answer. The FAA has a strong history of partnering with research4870institutions and technical experts. If confirmed, I would support4871maintaining those partnerships, where appropriate, and would seek to4872understand where further collaboration could help address any emerging4873safety and energy-efficiency challenges. I do believe that the greatest4874opportunity to reduce aviation fuel consumption and thereby carbon4875emissions will be derived from ATC modernization which can4876significantly reduce current ground hold times and air holding times by4877aircraft en route.48784879    Question 5. The increase in extreme weather events is causing more4880delays, cancellations, and hazards for flights. How do you plan to4881ensure the airline industry is adaptive and resilient to these changes4882without sacrificing safety?4883    Answer. Weather has always been a challenge for aviation. If4884confirmed, I would need to better understand the FAA's current work on4885weather forecasting, traffic management, operational planning, facility4886risk, and resilience to evaluate where improvements can be made to4887maintain both safety and system resilience.48884889    Question 6. Did Joe Biden lawfully win the 2020 presidential4890election?4891    Answer. Joe Biden was the certified winner of the 2020 presidential4892election.48934894    Question 7. Did Donald Trump lawfully win the 2024 presidential4895election?4896    Answer. Donald Trump was the certified winner of the 20244897presidential election.4898                                 ______48994900 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to4901                             Bryan Bedford4902Air Traffic Control Outages4903    Communications outages that impact Air Traffic Control (ATC)4904operations have continued to increase in their frequency and severity.4905Recently, the Denver Air Route Traffic Control Center recently had a4906communications outage that impacted primary and backup communications4907channels used by ATC personnel. Despite redundant systems for safety,4908any ATC outage for any duration is unacceptable to the American public.49094910    Question 1. Mr. Bedford, do you believe the FAA accurately records4911and discloses to the public how often these occur? How could the FAA4912increase transparency around the impact of ATC communications outages?4913    Answer. ATC outages are serious events that merit full transparency4914and public trust. If confirmed, I would assess how these events are4915currently tracked and reported and explore whether additional steps4916could be taken to ensure clear, accurate information and timely4917communication to the public about their impact, without unnecessarily4918undermining the public's confidence in the safety of air travel.4919Single Pilot Operations4920    The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), of which the4921U.S. is a founding member, has been investigating ``Extended Minimum4922Crew Operations.'' If this rulemaking were advanced, it could allow for4923one human pilot alongside an autonomous system to operate on the flight4924deck for a commercial flight.49254926    Question 2. Mr. Bedford, what safety considerations would you4927direct the FAA to consider and prioritize if this proposal were to4928advance at the international level? What concerns does this raise for4929you?4930    Answer. Any changes to flight crew standards would need to undergo4931thorough and rigorous safety evaluation. If confirmed, I would expect4932FAA to take a cautious and evidence-based approach, examining issues4933like pilot incapacitation, system redundancy, cybersecurity, and public4934confidence before taking any position. I would also want to understand4935the full scope of ICAO's proposal and its implications for domestic4936operations.4937Supersonic Aviation4938    President Trump issued an Executive Order directing the FAA to (1)4939repeal the prohibition on overland supersonic flight and (2) establish4940a noise-based certification standard. While supersonic aviation has the4941ability to transform our economy and increase access to long-distance4942destinations, it is of the utmost importance that supersonic aviation4943is safely integrated into our National Air Space. The FAA plays a key4944role in entrusting that safe integration takes place while also4945mitigating noise disturbances.49464947    Question 3. Mr. Bedford, if confirmed, how would you consider4948noise, airspace integration, and airport infrastructure concerns during4949this rulemaking?4950    Answer. If confirmed, I would need to understand the FAA's current4951work on these issues and how they are balancing all safety4952considerations with innovation. I would look to ensure that all factors4953are appropriately weighed in any rulemaking process.4954Artificial Intelligence Integration for ATC Modernization4955    Artificial intelligence and machine learning are already in use for4956low-risk use cases by airlines. When applied safely and intentionally,4957AI has the ability to help improve efficiency and lower costs.49584959    Question 4. Mr. Bedford, as the FAA continues its work towards4960modernizing the air traffic control system, how would you guide the4961agency towards integrating AI and machine-based learning to enhance4962efficiency and safety?4963    Answer. AI has promising applications in aviation, but safety must4964come first. If confirmed, I would need to better understand what4965safeguards, especially cyber risk protections, privacy and data risk4966security, oversight, and testing are in place today, and how FAA is4967evaluating new technologies. Ensuring that AI tools augment, rather4968than replace, human oversight will be an important focus.4969PFAS and Firefighting Foam4970    For decades, commercial service airports have used fluorinated4971firefighting foams containing PFAS. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 20244972authorized a new grant program to support airports in transitioning to4973fluorine-free alternatives.49744975    Question 5. Mr. Bedford, as airports begin to make this transition,4976what guidance and assistance do you anticipate that the FAA will4977provide? How will you support airports in this endeavor?4978    Answer. I understand this transition is both important and complex.4979If confirmed, I would need a clear picture of the current status of4980FAA's guidance and support and work with stakeholders to make sure4981airports are receiving the resources and clarity they need to implement4982mitigation alternatives safely and effectively.4983Grant Requirements4984    I appreciate your commitment to taking action to improve aviation4985safety. However, I am concerned that the Department of Transportation4986and FAA's attempt to impose new mandates that are unrelated to aviation4987safety in order for airports to receive Federal funds will undermine4988safety.4989    In September 2023, Denver International Airport (DEN) in Colorado,4990the Nation's third busiest airport, completed Taxiway EE. This safety4991project, completed with FAA funds, eliminated an identified hot spot4992and improved airfield efficiency. But if airports like DEN are denied4993FAA grants for reasons unrelated to aviation, it risks harming the4994safety of the entire national airspace system.49954996    Question 6. Mr. Bedford, if confirmed, do you pledge to continue to4997fund critical safety and modernization infrastructure projects without4998conditioning them on irrelevant requirements?4999    Answer. Safety and modernization are essential to the FAA's5000mission. If confirmed, I would need to understand the current grant5001criteria and how decisions are made to ensure they align with the5002agency's core safety responsibilities. I understand the importance of5003keeping those priorities focused and consistent.5004Advisory Group Engagement5005    Following a mid-air collision at Centennial Airport in Colorado in50062021, corrective actions led to a new traffic pattern. This resulted in5007increased low-flying traffic over local communities and, subsequently,5008increased noise levels.5009    The FAA, Centennial Airport, flight schools, and the local5010community came together to form the Centennial Airport Community Noise5011Roundtable Study Group Committee. This innovative engagement has been5012seen as a template for such noise-related aviation concerns across the5013country. However, earlier this year, FAA involvement in this process5014was suddenly halted due to an agency-wide prohibition on engagement5015with such outside groups, regardless of their effectiveness or purpose.50165017    Question 7. Mr. Bedford, if confirmed, will you direct the FAA to5018continue this important work with community-led organizations so that5019these aircraft noise mitigation efforts could be replicated elsewhere5020in Colorado and potentially across the country?5021    Answer. Community engagement plays a meaningful role in local5022aviation issues. If confirmed, I would review the current FAA policy on5023outside group engagement to better understand the rationale for recent5024changes, as well as explore options to support effective, transparent5025collaboration where it aligns with FAA's mission.50265027                                [all]