American President Joe Biden’s nominee for the role of leader of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Phillip Washington, has withdrawn his name owing to “an onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks which have focused on his service and experience, CNN reported.
Though his announcement for the role was made last year, since then the Republican party have done little other than criticise Washington over certain issues, including his scant aviation credentials and potential legal entanglements.
A White House official has confirmed that it respects Washington’s decision and openly praised his public service record. Washington is the current CEO of Denver International Airport, while also having held leadership positions at several municipal transit organizations, including in Denver and Los Angeles, which have been focused on bus and rail lines. He is also responsible for leading the Biden-Harris transition team for the Department of Transportation. Prior to his work in transportation, Washington served in the military for 24 years.
Washington’s biggest problem would seem to be that he has had next to no experience in the aviation sector, his current role at Denver Airport being his first foray onto that field. On Saturday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the need for a confirmed FAA administrator as he condemned the “partisan attacks” on Washington. “The FAA needs a confirmed Administrator, and Phil Washington’s transportation and military experience made him an excellent nominee. The partisan attacks and procedural obstruction he has faced are undeserved, but I respect his decision to withdraw and am grateful for his service,” Buttigieg said in a tweet.
According to another White House Official: “Politics must not hold up confirming an Administrator to lead the FAA, and we will move expeditiously to nominate a new candidate for FAA Administrator. We believe the Senate owes it to the American people to swiftly consider and confirm a leader to this key safety agency.”
