Via the DC Bureau of the Nebraska Examiner, March 26, 2023

Denver airport CEO withdraws as FAA nominee after attacks by U.S. Senate Republicans

Breaking government continues from the GOP.

Phil Washington, the chief executive of Denver International Airport and President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, withdrew from consideration in the face of persistent Republican opposition, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg confirmed Saturday night.

Reuters first reported Washington’s withdrawal, and Buttigieg confirmed it in a late Saturday tweet. Republicans had attacked Washington as unqualified for months and — though Washington and his supporters maintained there was no substance to the attacks — Buttigieg implied those criticisms tanked the nomination.

“The FAA needs a confirmed Administrator, and Phil Washington’s transportation & military experience made him an excellent nominee,” Buttigieg wrote. “The partisan attacks and procedural obstruction he has faced are undeserved, but I respect his decision to withdraw and am grateful for his service.”

The FAA has been without a Senate-confirmed commissioner since Steven Dickson left office at the end of March 2022. Biden nominated Washington last July.

(more)