Tough Questioning Of Nominee Anticipated

Bryan Bedford, President Donald Trump’s candidate to head the FAA has been invited to attend a nomination hearing with the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on June 11, 2025.

Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, is expected to be challenged by tough questions regarding his suitability to be appointed the Administrator of the FAA.

Committee Chair Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) commented that the head of the FAA will “need to provide strong and steady leadership” to accomplish the modernization plans for the aviation sector put forth by Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, including the total revamping of the air traffic control system.

Sen. Cruz pointed out that the next FAA leader must be able to “identify and implement what the future of the FAA and America’s airspace should be, while accommodating new and current users.”

He said, “I look forward to thoroughly evaluating Bryan Bedford to serve as FAA administrator, focusing on his qualifications, and the experience that will be needed to boldly modernize America’s antiquated aviation system.”

Many of the national aviation organizations have issued statements in support of Bedford’s nomination in March by President Trump, and just recently, Airlines for America (A4A) said, “President Trump made a superb choice in nominating Bryan Bedford to be FAA Administrator […] We urge the Senate Commerce Committee to advance Mr. Bedford’s nomination and the entire Senate to expeditiously confirm him to be our nation’s next FAA Administrator. Our country deserves and needs to have a solid leader in this critical position as soon as possible.”

Bedford has over 30 years of executive experience in the airline industry, with tenures as CEO of Republic Airways, and President and CEO of both Mesaba Airlines and Business Express Airlines.

FMI:  www.faa.gov/