Bryan Bedford Confirmed as FAA Administrator by Senate
The U.S. Senate confirmed Bryan Bedford as the new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with a 53-43 vote. Bedford, the former CEO of Republic Airways who led the airline for over 25 years, will take charge of the federal agency during a critical period for aviation safety.
The confirmation came after a contentious nomination process that largely divided along party lines. Bedford’s appointment follows the January 2025 mid-air collision near Washington D.C. that killed 67 people, highlighting the urgent need for strong aviation safety leadership.
The new FAA Administrator faces significant challenges including:
- Modernizing the nation’s outdated air traffic control system
- Addressing a critical shortage of air traffic controllers
- Overseeing safety protocols
The administration has proposed investing between $12.5 billion and $31 billion for infrastructure upgrades.