Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On Today’s Vote To Advance Bryan Bedford’s Nomination To Lead The FAA

Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor on the nomination of Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and his unwillingness to commit to supporting the 1,500 hour rule. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:

Later this evening, Senate Republicans will vote to advance Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the FAA, Bryan Bedford.

To say that Mr. Bedford is deeply flawed nominee would be putting it mildly.

Throughout his career as an airline executive, and during his hearing, Mr. Bedford has shown a callous disregard for the 1,500-hour rule – and even refused to commit to protecting the rule if confirmed.

I worked with the families of Flight 3407 years ago to establish the 1,500-hour rule after they all lost loved ones in the tragic plane crash that occurred on a winter's night in Western New York.

They have worked so hard and they are so proud of their accomplishments. In the face of unspeakable loss, they worked relentlessly to change America's aviation laws to prevent a tragedy like what happened to their family.

Today, the 1,500-hour rule is the gold standard for pilot training. So, affirming the 1,500 hour rule should be the easiest thing in the world for someone nominated to oversee the FAA.

But Mr. Bedford failed – again and again – to do so.

Weakening the 1,500-hour rule is dangerous and could cost lives.

With aviation safety top of mind, Americans don’t want pilots with less training – which is what would happen if the 1,500-hour rule were not extended, or repealed, or not enforced. Americans don’t want the FAA weakening safety standards.

But I fear that is precisely what Mr. Bedford will do: weaken the 1,500-hour rule, weaken safety standards, and prioritize profits over passenger safety.

The American people deserve far better than an FAA Administrator who isn’t fully committed to their safety.

The Senate should reject Mr. Bedford’s nomination.

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