Category: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

House Narrowly Rejects Air Safety Bill After Pentagon Opposition

The New York Times – Business:
A move to swiftly pass the bill failed by a single vote. It would have required aircraft to carry technology that officials said might have prevented a midair collision near Washington last year.
Senate Confirms Bryan Bedford to Lead F.A.A.

The agency is under pressure to modernize outdated air traffic control systems that have contributed to a series of outages, near-misses, and deadly accidents in recent months.
F.A.A. Further Restricts Area Around Reagan Airport to Helicopters

The agency has taken steps to reduce the risk of midair collisions after a military helicopter struck a commercial flight in January, killing everyone on both crafts.
Senators Demand Government Watchdog Inquiries Into D.C. Plane Crash

Families of the victims in the deadly midair collision near Reagan National Airport have made additional investigations of the crash a top priority.
Nominee for Deputy Transportation Secretary Comes Under Fire for Handling of Boeing

In his previous stint in the Transportation Department, Steven Bradbury was accused of interfering with a Senate investigation into the crash of two Max jets that killed 346 people combined.
NTSB Says Boeing Has Not Provided Key Information in 737 Max Inquiry

The National Transportation Safety Board is trying to get the plane maker to turn over documentation and provide the names of employees, the safety board’s chairwoman told a Senate committee.
Biden Says He Will Nominate Michael Whitaker to Lead FAA

The president’s selection, Michael G. Whitaker, served as the No. 2 official at the Federal Aviation Administration during the Obama administration.
Blocked Rail Crossings Snarl Towns, but Congress Won’t Act

The industry has used its muscle to prevent federal, state and local governments from penalizing companies that park freight trains across roads for hours or days.
Southwest Airlines Faces Tough Questions From Senators

The New York Times – Travel:
The company canceled thousands of flights around Christmas, disrupting travel for about two million people.
Phil Washington, Biden’s F.A.A. Nominee, Faces Murky Road to Confirmation

The New York Times – Business:
The nominee, Phillip A. Washington, who has yet to receive a confirmation hearing, has drawn scrutiny over his aviation experience and his involvement in a corruption inquiry.