In a 53-43 vote held Wednesday, the United States Senate confirmed Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, as the next Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The confirmation largely followed party lines, with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) being the only Democrat to support the nomination.
The confirmation follows the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s narrow approval of Bedford’s nomination two weeks ago. Bedford, nominated in March by President Donald Trump, is set to take the reins of an agency under heightened scrutiny following a series of high-profile aviation safety incidents.
During his confirmation hearing, Bedford emphasized his commitment to modernizing air traffic control systems, increasing staffing levels, and strengthening FAA safety programs. However, he stopped short of affirming support for the 1,500-hour pilot training rule—a key concern among Senate Democrats.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy welcomed the confirmation, stating, “Bryan will help me deliver and execute the President’s vision for a brand-new air traffic control system. His leadership will be instrumental in revitalizing aviation safety and infrastructure.”
Opposition to the confirmation was vocal. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Commerce Committee, warned, “Mr. Bedford’s openness to weakening critical safety policies is the opposite of what the FAA needs right now.” Other Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Tim Kennedy, criticized the appointment, citing concerns about prioritizing industry interests over passenger safety.
Bedford’s nomination comes amid growing national concerns about the U.S. aviation system. Recent safety incidents—including the January 29 midair collision involving a U.S. Army helicopter and a commercial aircraft—have renewed calls for sweeping reforms. Several runway incursions and system outages at major airports like Newark Liberty have further intensified pressure on the FAA.
As FAA Administrator, Bedford will spearhead the Trump administration’s plan to overhaul the nation’s aging air traffic infrastructure. The Department of Transportation unveiled the modernization initiative in May, which includes replacing outdated radar systems, constructing new control towers, and expanding hiring efforts to meet operational demands. Duffy described the plan as a “critical economic and national security priority.”
Bedford, who has led Republic Airways since 1999, previously drew attention in 2022 when the airline sought an exemption from the 1,500-hour flight training rule for first officers. That rule was instituted in the aftermath of the 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash, which led to significant reforms in pilot training standards.
The White House has not yet issued a statement regarding the confirmation.
