Biden's FAA nominee bows out, after senators waver

President Joe Biden's pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration withdrew his nomination on Saturday evening, following nine months in limbo and amid concerns from senators in both parties over his background and relative lack of aviation experience.

DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg tweeted late Saturday that Phil Washington, the CEO of International Airport, has decided to take himself out of the running.

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

Pressure has been growing for the FAA to have a confirmed leader, as the aviation system continues to show signs of strain — in particular with an uptick of near-collisions on runways.

Washington's decision comes just days after the Senate Commerce Committee, which is vetting his nomination, postponed a vote to advance Washington to the Senate floor. Two senators who caucus with Democrats on the panel, Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) have been undecided on his nomination — and the committee only has a one-vote majority.

A White House official defended Washington's qualifications and blamed an "onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks" that "irresponsibly delayed this process, threatened unnecessary procedural hurdles, and ultimately have led him to withdraw his nomination." The official said the administration will swiftly move to nominate another candidate.

Reuters first reported that Washington was withdrawing his nomination.

Washington has faced a steady drumbeat of criticism, mostly from Republicans, because his only experience in aviation is the now nearly two-year stint leading the Denver airport. Prior to that, Washington had a background in leading transit agencies following a career in the Army. Washington also had been named in a politically-tinged corruption probe in Los Angeles County that the California Attorney General eventually stepped in front of.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has led the opposition, and most recently has insisted that Washington also needs a waiver from Congress to serve in the position because, by law, the FAA's administrator must be a civilian. Democrats have insisted that the statute does not apply to him.

In a statement, Cruz said "this wasn’t the time for an administrator who needed on-the-job training,”

"The Biden administration must now quickly name someone to head the FAA who has an extensive aviation background, can earn widespread bipartisan support in the Senate, and will keep the flying public safe," Cruz said.

Washington's withdraw came two days after Buttigieg voiced public support for the nomination, vowing to "persuade anyone who needs persuading" after the delayed committee vote.

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) said Washington "has the qualifications and experience to lead the FAA."

"The FAA requires strong and independent leadership from someone who will focus on safety," Cantwell said in a statement. "Republicans chose to drum up falsehoods rather than give the flying public and the aviation industry the leadership needed now."

Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen will continue to lead the agency until the Senate confirms a permanent leader. Cruz has argued that Nolen, a former pilot, could be swiftly confirmed to the top job but recently Nolen has publicly voiced support for Washington's nomination.