Young Introduces Hoosier Bryan Bedford, Nominee to be FAA Administrator

** Click here or above to watch Senator Young’s introduction.**

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today introduced Hoosier Bryan Bedford, nominee to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

During his remarks, Young spoke about Bedford’s background and outlined why he supports his nomination.

Senator Young’s remarks as prepared are below:

“Last year, a report by the Government Accountability Office documented the troubling state of America’s Air Traffic Control systems.

“Critical infrastructure is aging or already outdated.

“Many of our control towers are four decades old. Our average Air Route Traffic Control Centers were built over half a century ago.

“Nearly 80 percent of the Federal Aviation Administration’s systems are operationally untenable in the long term.

“The FAA workforce in safety critical positions – none of which, it should be noted, were eliminated as part of the recent resignation program – is understaffed and overworked, leading to potentially dangerous burnout. 

“Modernization of America’s aviation system is overdue.

“Secretary Duffy has introduced a plan to provide much needed upgrades, to not only strengthen the safety of, but also improve the efficiency of our Air Traffic Control System.

“And Bryan Bedford is exactly the type of innovative leader to implement these much-needed reforms.

“He is the administrator the FAA needs now.

“I say this not only because of his Indiana connections – he has been a Carmel resident for the past 26 years – and being a Hoosier is itself a recommendation.

“I say this because of his demonstrated leadership in the aviation industry.

“Bryan took over Republic Airlines after September 11th, 2001 when the industry faced tremendous challenges – decreasing profits, reduced demand for commercial flights, and the urgent need for significant security overhauls. 

“He guided Republic through this challenging landscape, turned the company around, increased its annual revenue from $85 million to $3 billion, grew its fleet from 27 propeller crafts to 250 jets. 

“He has not only overseen successful mergers with other carriers but also partnered with American, Delta and United Airlines, from whom Republic runs regional routes.

“The next leader of the FAA will face considerable challenges reforming America’s aviation system.

“Meeting them is critical to the safety of our citizens and the wellbeing of our economy.

“It will require visionary thinking, the ability to create partnerships between government and industry, and first-hand understanding of America’s aviation system.

“As he will demonstrate today, Bryan Bedford brings all these skills to the position of FAA administrator. 

“I look forward to hearing from and confirming him – and then working with him on ways we can increase safety, efficiency, and innovation in our aviation ecosystem.”