[Senate Hearing 118-672]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 118-672
NOMINATION OF PHILLIP A. WASHINGTON,
NOMINEE TO BE ADMINISTRATOR,
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
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HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
MARCH 1, 2023
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
60-543 PDF WASHINGTON : 2025
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
MARIA CANTWELL, Washington, Chair
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota TED CRUZ, Texas, Ranking
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts ROGER WICKER, Mississippi
GARY PETERS, Michigan DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin JERRY MORAN, Kansas
TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska
JON TESTER, Montana MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
KYRSTEN SINEMA, Arizona TODD YOUNG, Indiana
JACKY ROSEN, Nevada TED BUDD, North Carolina
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado J. D. VANCE, Ohio
RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West
PETER WELCH, Vermont Virginia
CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming
Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director
Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director
Jonathan Hale, General Counsel
Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director
Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director
Liam McKenna, General Counsel
C O N T E N T S
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Page
Hearing held on March 1, 2023.................................... 1
Statement of Senator Cantwell.................................... 1
Letter dated March 1, 2023 to Hon. Maria Cantwell and Hon.
Ted Cruz from Pete DeFazio, Former Chairman, House
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.................. 5
Statement of Senator Cruz........................................ 3
Statement of Senator Hickenlooper................................ 7
Statement of Senator Wicker...................................... 46
Statement of Senator Schatz...................................... 47
Statement of Senator Moran....................................... 49
Statement of Senator Peters...................................... 50
Statement of Senator Thune....................................... 52
Statement of Senator Duckworth................................... 54
Statement of Senator Budd........................................ 56
Statement of Senator Klobuchar................................... 58
Statement of Senator Vance....................................... 59
Statement of Senator Rosen....................................... 61
Statement of Senator Schmitt..................................... 63
Statement of Senator Markey...................................... 65
Research article dated March 1, 2023 from Brookings entitled,
``America's airports aren't ready for climate change'' by
Adie Tomer and Caroline George............................. 66
Statement of Senator Fischer..................................... 75
Statement of Senator Lujan....................................... 76
Statement of Senator Young....................................... 78
Statement of Senator Baldwin..................................... 79
Statement of Senator Blackburn................................... 81
Statement of Senator Sullivan.................................... 82
Statement of Senator Welch....................................... 84
Statement of Senator Capito...................................... 86
Statement of Senator Sinema...................................... 87
Statement of Senator Warnock..................................... 89
Witnesses
Hon. Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator from Colorado.................. 8
Phillip A. Washington, Nominee to be Administrator, Federal
Aviation Administration........................................ 10
Prepared statement........................................... 12
Biographical information..................................... 13
Appendix
Response to written questions submitted to Phillip A. Washington
by:
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 95
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 97
Hon. Kyrsten Sinema.......................................... 97
Hon. Ted Cruz................................................ 98
Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................ 102
Hon. Todd Young.............................................. 106
NOMINATION OF PHILLIP A. WASHINGTON,
NOMINEE TO BE ADMINISTRATOR,
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:05 a.m., in
room SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Maria
Cantwell, Chairwoman of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senators Cantwell [presiding], Klobuchar, Schatz,
Markey, Peters, Baldwin, Duckworth, Sinema, Rosen, Lujan,
Hickenlooper, Warnock, Welch, Cruz, Thune, Wicker, Fischer,
Moran, Sullivan, Blackburn, Young, Budd, Schmitt, Vance, and
Capito.
Also present: Senator Bennet.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON
The Chair. Good morning. The U.S. Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order. This
morning, we are having a hearing on the nomination of Phil
Washington to be Administrator at the Federal Aviation
Administration. Mr. Washington, welcome.
Congratulations on your nomination. And I know that I think
at least one or two of your colleagues--of our colleagues want
to be here as well to do an introduction of you. So, you are
very fortunate to have them, and we will call on them in a
minute. But as we are expecting the arrival of our Ranking
Member, I am going to go ahead and start with my opening
statement in hopes that we can keep going this morning.
Today, the Commerce Committee is meeting to consider the
nomination of Phil Washington to be Administrator of the FAA.
The safety mission of the FAA starts at the top with the
Administrator, and I hope to hear from you, Mr. Washington,
about your vision for making sure that the FAA is the gold
standard in aviation safety.
Three years ago, Congress spoke clearly on needed reforms
in the aircraft certification process and FAA safety oversight.
I worked with my colleague, Senator Wicker, who was the chair
of the Committee at that time, on that important legislation.
Today, we need a clear commitment that this legislation is
fully implemented and that these reforms, ensuring design
oversight, mandating safety management systems, and holding
manufacturers accountable, are all adhered to.
I want to especially thank the families of the 737 MAX
tragedies for their important role in helping us craft and pass
this landmark legislation. It is an important reminder that the
FAA's leadership mandate extends internationally as well.
The United States must be a strong safety voice at ICAO. We
must raise the global safety bar on issues like pilot training
and human factors. And the FAA Administrator must also lead a
large, complex organization.
The safety agency has over 45,000 employees across
different lines of business. Day in and day out, these workers
answer the call and are engaged in the continuous job of safety
oversight. We also need strong leadership at the FAA to
continue the FAA reauthorization bill this year.
The Administration must deal with the myriad of new
challenges presented by 21st century technology, advanced air
mobility platforms, and manufacturing, and we also must buildup
our national airspace system with the world--which is already
the world's busiest, most complex, with Next Generation
technology and operational redundancies. In addition, the
aviation future must be sustainable.
That means developing the capacity and infrastructure for
sustainable aviation fuel and meeting our 2050 targets for net
zero carbon emissions. So, Mr. Washington, you are here today
to explain how you and your leadership can meet that vision and
those vital requirements of the FAA.
I am pleased that our colleagues, Senator Bennet, and
Senator Hickenlooper, member of this committee, will be here to
also say a few words on your behalf. But let me just say, you
represent a great career that we much appreciate.
Mr. Washington is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, where
he rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest
noncommissioned officer rank an enlisted soldier can achieve,
and he would be the first African American confirmed to serve
as the FAA Administrator. This would be a landmark achievement.
And there has never been an FAA Administrator nominee that has
come from the enlisted ranks.
The U.S. Army taught Mr. Washington how to get things done
and get them done right. And indeed, the Department of Defense
awarded him the prestigious Defense Superior Service Medal for
exceptional service to the country.
And after military retirement in 2000, Mr. Washington
joined the Denver Regional District, RTD, and earned his way to
the top of that transit agency with an annual ridership of over
40 million people--of over 40 million.
In Denver, Mr. Washington implemented the Nation's first
and only 2.2 billion transit public, private partnership called
Eagle P3 Project on time and expanding multimodal transit
regions, and in 2015 was named CEO of Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Authority. In Los Angeles, he oversaw a rail and
bus network that transports 1.2 million passengers, and managed
a budget of $9 billion, and oversaw 10,000 employees.
He was also key in leading an expansion of L.A. Metro,
managing approximately $20 billion in infrastructure and new
rail connections between the Los Angeles International Airport.
Then in 2021, he became CEO of Denver International Airport,
the third busiest airport in the world. Now, for my Colorado
colleagues, I am not doubting, but I did have to look that up.
And sure enough, yes, it is true.
You move a lot of people through that airport. So, he leads
35,000 employees and manages $1.3 billion operating budget.
Under his watch, he set all time passenger traffic records.
Nearly 70 million passengers traveled through its terminals, up
about 18 percent over 2021 and surpassing pre-COVID numbers.
So, organizations like the American Public Transport
Association, Airports Council, National Business Aviation
Administration, and many other organizations, including many of
labor organizations, also support your nomination. So, again,
congratulations.
Thank you for being here and look forward to having a
chance to discuss with you the future of the FAA. I will turn
to my colleague, the Ranking Member, Senator Cruz, for his
opening statement.
STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS
Senator Cruz. Thank you, Madam Chair. The FAA faces
enormous challenges. It must modernize our airspace while
safely integrating new entrants like drones. It is trying to
keep its reputation as the gold standard for aviation safety
while dealing with far too many close calls and operating an
outdated air traffic control system that must safely move
roughly 2 million passengers a day.
To meet its mission, the FAA needs a Senate confirmed
leader with decades of experience in aviation to make certain
that the flying public is safe, the agency's primary
obligation. This obligation is so important that Congress
mandated that the FAA Administrator must, ``have experience in
the field directly related to aviation.'' The nominee before
us, Phil Washington, had a long and honorable career in the
military, but he does not have any experience in aviation
safety.
This quite simply is a position he is not qualified for. I
am disappointed that the Administration has chosen to treat a
critical safety position, a position keeping our family safe,
they have chosen to treat it as a patronage job. As a result of
the White House playing politics with the flying public's
safety, the FAA has lacked a Senate confirmed leader for a year
now.
I expect we will hear some members of this committee gloss
over Mr. Washington's lack of aviation and aviation safety
experience by saying he has a record of strong management of
transit agencies. He understands busses, and isn't that good
enough for planes? But his record demonstrates the opposite.
The Democrat city transit agencies he has run have been
beset by mismanagement and wasteful spending. In 2019, CBS News
reported, Mr. Washington tried to add a $200,000 sauna to the
L.A. Metro's employee gym after being presented with a more
taxpayer friendly $50,000 version. He proposed this lavish
spending as city busses, ``broke down and caught fire due to
lack of money.''
The New York Times reported that a Denver Rail project
overseen by Mr. Washington ran up a $2 billion plus deficit and
had become over 30 years behind schedule. Just last month, Mr.
Washington and another Denver official spent more than $100,000
on a junket to Africa to drum up support to Denver's airport.
Government waste and delayed overbudget projects are things
we want to change at the FAA, not continue. I am also afraid
that Mr. Washington's record suggests that he would focus on
virtue signaling at a time when the FAA needs to be laser
focused on aviation safety and modernization.
As L.A. Metro CEO he said, ``everything we do in terms of
mobility, we look through the lens of equity.'' At the Denver
airport, he is spending millions of dollars to build a special,
``hall of equity,'' and changed the contract bidding process to
place a heavier emphasis on so-called equity and so-called
social cultural merits.
Safety, not political posturing needs to be paramount at
the FAA. I also have serious concerns regarding outstanding
allegations of misconduct going back to Mr. Washington's time
at L.A. Metro. He was named in multiple search warrants in an
ongoing criminal corrupt--public corruption investigation and
was the subject of multiple whistleblower complaints.
One whistleblower who exposed details of a politically
connected contracting scheme claims to have been retaliated
against by Mr. Washington. After Mr. Washington went to Denver,
L.A. Metro settled the claims for more than a half million
dollars. And just last month, Mr. Washington was named in a
discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by a former Denver
airport employee.
Mr. Washington failed to notify this committee of the
lawsuit, one of dozens of emissions in his questionnaire,
suggesting that he has been less than fully transparent and
raising concerns about how he will collaborate with us as we
work to reauthorize the FAA.
Finally, Mr. Washington, as a retired member of the
military, needs a waiver from both the House and the Senate to
be eligible to serve since Federal law explicitly requires that
the FAA Administrator be a civilian and retired members of the
military do not, under the statute, qualify as civilians.
On five occasions, Congress has passed legislative waivers
so that retired military personnel could serve at the FAA. We
would do the same for Mr. Washington if his record merited it,
if he had experience in aviation safety. But it doesn't, and if
Senate Democrats force this nomination through without a
waiver, a legal cloud will hang over every single FAA action.
Let me close with a quote, ``I have said that it is very
important that in this day and age, when it comes to aviation,
safety must always be our top priority. We have considered the
nomination, the nominee's record, an ongoing case of
whistleblower retaliation, and given all of that, it is clear
to me that he is not the right person for the safety culture
that we need today at the FAA.''
Those were the words spoken about a former FAA nominee by
the Chairwoman of this committee in 2019 about Steve Dickson
who had 40 years of aviation experience. Mr. Washington is not
the right nominee for this position.
The Chair. Thank you, Senator Cruz. In my opening
statement, I forgot to mention a letter by our former House
colleague, Chairman Peter DeFazio, who you worked with
extensively. I want to enter that into the record. He called
you a strong leader with two decades of senior leadership that
we need to help accomplish the goals of the FAA.
[The information referred to follows:]
[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
The Chair. So, with that, I am going to turn to our
colleagues, I think are calling on the Committee, Senator
Hickenlooper first, and then Senator Bennet.
STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN HICKENLOOPER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM COLORADO
Senator Hickenlooper. Thank you, Madam Chair. We need an
FAA Administrator who is Senate confirmed, but also who knows
how to get things done. An Administrator who can manage the
complex bureaucracy at FAA and prepare for the realities of
modern air travel today.
Someone who can give us confidence the next time we get on
a flight. Someone who will reassure us that we will get where
we are going safely and not have to think about how everything
works again. That is Phil Washington. Phil came from humble
beginnings, and as the Madam Chair mentioned, served 24 years
in the Army, achieved the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the
highest rank for enlisted servicemen.
And, you know, Command Sergeant Major are the people that
make things--get things done by organizing, motivating their
troops, delivering on the mission, and holding people
accountable. He was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, the
beginning of his relationship with Colorado. You know, our
veterans are renowned for their discipline, their leadership,
their courage, their dedication to service.
Phil embodies all these traits and more. When he led the
Metro Denver's Regional Transportation District, which is by
far the largest transit agency in the state, he put our city's
transit system back on track. He came in when the flagship fast
track program was over budget, was behind schedule, beset by
problems and complications.
When he left, three-quarters was completed or under
construction. He next took the helm of the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the third largest
transit system in the country, serving over 220 million
passengers annually. Again, another multi-billion-dollar
expansion, which was beset by challenges, and he got that
sorted out.
He is now the CEO of Denver International Airport for the
last couple of years, the third busiest airport in the world,
as the Madam Chair pointed out. He has transformed the
airport's once aging infrastructure. The Great Hall Project is
going to expand DIA's terminal capacity from 70 million
passengers a year to 100 million passengers a year.
That is--his program, Vision 100 will support that
transition by the end of this decade. Phil recognizes growth is
more than just expanding terminals and modernizing runways. He
has launched DIA's center of equity and excellence in aviation.
That is really the first of its kind training facility to make
sure we can grow a diverse workforce and a small business
pipeline in aviation that does deliver on the combined mission
of transportation at the safest possible levels.
He has not hesitated to act decisively again and again when
crises strike--when a crisis strikes. We had the winter storms
of 2022 that devastated air travel all across the country,
damaged our economy. He immediately launched a rigorous after-
action review between DIA and its major airline partners. This
after-action review will identify the causes to the airline
disruption catastrophe and prevent future incidents from
happening again.
That is the kind of decisive action that we need to see in
the FAA. Phil fits the mold of several past Administrators.
There have been questions raised as to, you know, previous
Administrators. Jane Garvey, who was the Administrator under
President Clinton came from the Massachusetts Department of
Public Works and led Logan, Boston's Logan Airport.
Marion Blakey, who served in the Bush Administration, was
Administrator of the National Highway Transportation Safety
Administration before coming to the FAA. Michael Huerta oversaw
the ports of New York City and San Francisco and had a senior--
a couple of senior roles within the Department of
Transportation before coming to lead the FAA.
But I think Phil breaks the mold of past FAA Administrators
in important ways. He is not an airline industry insider using
this role as a position for the industry to be policing itself.
The challenges facing FAA are those of managing a large,
complex bureaucracy badly in need of modernization, and
certainly in that respect he is no novice.
He is the CEO of the third busiest airport in the world, as
we have said, manages a workforce roughly of 35,000 employees,
compared to 45,000 at FAA, so roughly the same size. And he
took the role amidst a big expansion project that was running
into budget challenges, scheduling challenges, before he came
along, and he got it back on track.
And as not to mention his experience in the Army where he
honed his discipline and leadership skills and was recognized
for it. He has built a reputation of coming into organizations
filled with challenges and successfully transforming them into
successes.
He takes on the big, complex problems and gets results. It
is the kind of person we want in our Federal management system.
He is for those reasons--it is for those reasons I urge this
committee to be thoughtful and objectively look at Phil's
record and what it shows.
He is the right man and nominee at the right time to lead
this critical agency. I look forward to seeing where he can
lead the FAA with his bold vision for the future. Thank you.
The Chair. Thank you. Senator Bennet, welcome.
STATEMENT OF HON. MICHAEL BENNET,
U.S. SENATOR FROM COLORADO
Senator Bennet. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Chair
Cantwell, for having me, and Ranking Member Cruz, for the
opportunity to introduce Phil Washington. It is a privilege to
be here with my colleague John Hickenlooper.
Phil is obviously President Biden's nominee to lead the
Federal Aviation Administration. John Hickenlooper and I have
known Phil for almost 20 years, going back to the days when
John was Mayor of Denver and he graciously endured me as his
Chief of Staff.
We both worked closely together with Phil, who had recently
joined Colorado's regional transportation district after an
exceptional career that took him from his youth in a housing
project on the South Side of Chicago to the rank of Command
Sergeant after 24 years in the U.S. Army.
I believe Phil's son, Phil Washington Jr., is with us this
morning. I thank him for making the trip to Washington. Thanks
for sharing your dad with us so he can continue to serve
Colorado and the country. Senator Hickenlooper has already
offered an excellent overview of Phil's experience in
Colorado's Regional Transportation District, L.A. County's
Transportation Authority, and Denver's International Airport.
So instead of taking you through that again, I want to
share my observations about Phil's specific qualifications to
lead the FAA at this critical juncture for the agency. As this
committee appreciates more than most, the FAA has long set the
global standard for airline safety, but recent incidents have
shaken the public's confidence and undermined our global
leadership.
This is the perfect time for a leader like Phil Washington
who would bring a proven record for delivering results. He
turned around RTD, he turned around transit in L.A. County. He
is driving overdue change at DIA, and I have no doubt he would
do the same at the FAA. I understand some members of this
committee have argued Phil lacks direct experience in aviation.
We just heard that argument. I am surprised by that because
as we have heard, he currently is running the third busiest
airport on planet Earth. He literally spends every day liaising
with 25 airlines, managing over 30,000 employees, and
navigating local, State, and Federal aviation policy.
He is spearheading the most ambitious overhaul of that
third busiest airport, the DIA, since Colorado first built the
airport almost 30 years ago. I pointed out to the Chairwoman
that we are very proud that DIA is the youngest airport in
America but is 30 years old. We need to build airports in this
country again.
Phil could help us with that, too. He's leading an $800
million renovation to the main hall building, 39 new gates,
designing a seventh runway, and revamping the airport's entire
baggage system, all with the traveling public continuing to
make its way through the airport. Phil was also instrumental in
developing Vision 100, a strategic plan for DIA to prepare the
airport to process 100 million passengers a year through an
expanded workforce infrastructure and air service network.
So, despite suggestions to the contrary, Phil's experience
is comparable to previous FAA nominees, like Jane Garvey and
Michael Huerta, whom John mentioned, both of whom the Senate
confirmed with a strong bipartisan support. Instead of focusing
on Phil's obvious qualifications, there has been an attempt in
recent months to distract from his record, and frankly, impugn
his character.
And I won't dignify that effort in my remarks. I will just
say that the past 20 years of work has left me only with the
highest regard for Phil's integrity and leadership. That is
what the people of Denver believe about Phil and the people of
Colorado do as well. And you don't have to take my word for it.
The Mayor of Denver, Michael Hancock, is at the hearing.
Before the Mayor asked Phil to lead the DIA, he conducted a
thorough background check. Phil not only cleared that review,
the Denver City Council confirmed him unanimously. They don't
agree on anything, by the way, but they agreed on Phil.
Senator Hickenlooper and I can tell you from experience
that you don't get a lot of unanimous votes, as he said, from
the City Council, and I see no reason why Phil's historic
nomination shouldn't receive a unanimous vote from this
committee.
Any fair assessment of his career and of his character
would see a nominee with integrity, drive, and a record of
results at every institution he has led. You would make an
outstanding Administrator for the FAA, and I wholeheartedly
endorse his nomination. Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me a
few minutes.
The Chair. Thank you, Senator Bennet. Thank you to both you
and Senator Hickenlooper for being part of today's hearing and
endorsing, obviously, with your work experience with the Denver
airport and Mr. Washington's leadership.
Mr. Washington, we now turn to you. Feel free to introduce
any family or guests with you and make your opening statement.
STATEMENT OF PHILLIP A. WASHINGTON, NOMINEE TO BE
ADMINISTRATOR, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Washington. Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Cruz, and
members of the Committee, it is an honor to appear before you
today as the President's nominee for Administrator of the
Federal Aviation Administration. I want to thank President
Biden, Secretary Buttigieg for selecting me to fill this
important role.
If confirmed, I look forward to working with each of you to
strengthen our world class aviation system and make it better
than it has ever been. I appreciate the generous introductions
from Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper.
I am honored today to have my Mayor here, of Denver, Mayor
Michael Hancock. I want to thank my family of whom my only son,
Phillip Jr., is here. I also want to thank Billy Nolan, our
current Acting Administrator. As a man who grew up from humble
beginnings in public housing on the South Side of Chicago, I am
honored and humbled by this nomination.
If confirmed, I pledge that I will work diligently to
support the extraordinary team at the FAA. I grew up poor as an
only son of a family of six children. My mother was a single
parent. She worked 12 hours a day to put food on a table for
all of us. She took me to listen and learn from the great faith
and civic leaders who lived then and visited the City of
Chicago in the 60s and 70s.
This is where I realized my purpose and desire to serve
people and be a public servant. I began my public service and
leadership journey nearly 45 years ago when I enlisted in the
U.S. Army to serve my country. I ultimately served for nearly
25 years, earning the highest military enlisted rank, that of
Command Sergeant Major, E-9.
During my military career, I served, led, and motivated men
and women from every corner of this great land. I honorably
retired from the U.S. Army some 22 years ago. As a military
veteran and leader of three large transportation organizations,
my broad transportation, safety knowledge, and real-world
leadership experiences provide me a unique perspective of how
aviation and all modes of transportation should integrate into
a seamless system.
While serving as CEO at Denver's Regional Transportation
District, I led the effort to connect rail to the Denver
International Airport. As a CEO of L.A. Metro, I led the
planning, and implementation, and completion of key
construction milestones for a $2 billion automated people
mover.
That electric train system connects L.A. Metro rail and
other facilities with the airport terminals. It will operate
24/7 to serve approximately 30 million passengers annually,
resulting in 117,000 fewer vehicles travel per day. I also led
the completion of a $15 million Metrolink rail station that
connects more neighborhoods with Hollywood Burbank Airport,
reducing traffic congestion on Interstate 5 and residential
roads.
Overseeing these massive projects provide me with a great
deal of experience managing large, complex, and challenging
projects and organizations. My experience as CEO of the third
busiest airport in the world, Denver International Airport with
35,000 workers, translates well to the FAA.
During the aviation challenges of the last several months,
travelers through my airport have not asked me how much direct
aviation experience I had. Instead, they asked me where was
their luggage, and why their flight was delayed or canceled,
and how their families would survive in my airport during rigid
nights. We engaged with our partners. We worked as a team. We
took care of travelers at my airport.
The FAA is at a crossroads, an agency that must protect the
safest era of aviation, modernize its technology, lift employee
morale, while staffing up and maintaining its global leadership
in aviation. Yes, we need to reinforce that we are the
regulator for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and new
entrants to the national airspace.
Yes, we need to stress continuously safety as second nature
for all FAA employees. However, to accomplish all of these
things, we need permanent leadership at the top of the FAA to
address the challenges that we have seen in the last several
years. If confirmed, I will draw on a career spanning almost 45
years to be that leader.
The safety of the traveling public will remain my top
priority, as it has been for me leading the third largest
airport in the world, to large transit agencies, and men and
women in uniform.
If confirmed, I will be guided by the sacrifice and
historic advocacy of the families of the 737 MAX and Colgan Air
tragedies and perform the administrative role as I have
performed every leadership role in my professional life, with
accountability, integrity, transparency, respect, honesty,
discipline, and an innovative mindset.
I will own well-intentioned failure, and FAA employees will
own their success. I will quicken the pace of public service
and leave the FAA better than I found it. My hope is that the
Committee and the full Senate will see the value of my
leadership and multi-modal transportation experience as it
deliberates my confirmation.
Thank you for your consideration. I am excited about the
opportunity to serve, and I am pleased to take your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Washington follow:]
Prepared Statement of Phillip A. Washington, Nominee to be
Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration
Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Cruz, and Members of the Committee.
It is an honor to appear before you today as the President's nominee
for Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). I want
to thank President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for selecting me to
fill this important role. If confirmed, I look forward to working with
each of you to strengthen our world-class aviation system and make it
better than it has ever been.
I appreciate the generous introduction from Senators Bennett and
Hickenlooper. I am honored to have my mayor, Denver Mayor Michael
Hancock, here today as well. I want to thank my family, of whom my only
son, Phillip, Jr., is here. I also want to thank Billy Nolen, our
current Acting Administrator. As a man who grew from humble beginnings
in public housing on the Southside of Chicago, I am honored and humbled
by this nomination and, if confirmed, pledge that I will work
diligently to support the extraordinary team at the FAA.
I grew up poor as an only son of a family of six children. My
mother was a single parent, who worked 12 hours a day to put food on
the table for us. She took me to listen and learn from the great faith
and civic leaders who lived in and visited the City of Chicago in the
60s and 70s. This is where I realized my purpose and desire to serve
people and be a public servant.
I began my public service and leadership journey nearly 45 years
ago when I enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve my country. I ultimately
served for nearly 25 years, earning the highest military enlisted rank,
that of Command Sergeant Major, E-9. During my military career, I
served, led, and motivated men and women from every corner of this
great land. I honorably retired from the U.S. Army some 22 years ago.
As a military veteran and leader of three large transportation
organizations, my broad transportation safety knowledge and real-world
leadership experiences provide me a unique perspective of how aviation
and all modes of transportation should integrate into a seamless
system.
While serving as CEO at Denver's Regional Transportation District,
I led the effort to connect rail to Denver International Airport. As
the CEO of LA Metro, I led the planning and completion of key
construction milestones for a $2 billion-dollar ``Automated People
Mover''. That electric train system connects LA Metro Rail and other
facilities with airport terminals. It will operate 24/7 to serve
approximately 30 million passengers annually, resulting in 117,000
fewer vehicle miles traveled per day.
I also led the completion of a $15 million-dollar Metrolink rail
station that connects more neighborhoods with Hollywood Burbank
Airport, reducing traffic congestion on Interstate 5 and residential
roads. Overseeing these massive projects provided me with a great deal
of experience managing large, complex, and challenging projects and
organizations.
My experience as CEO of the third busiest airport in the world,
Denver International Airport with 35,000 workers, translates well to
the FAA. During the aviation challenges of the last several months,
travelers through my airport have not asked me how much direct aviation
experience I had. Instead, they asked me where their luggage was, why
their flight was delayed or canceled, and how their families would
survive in my airport during rigid nights. We engaged with our
partners, worked as a team, and took care of travelers at my airport.
The FAA is at a crossroads--an agency that must protect the safest
era in aviation, modernize its technology, lift employee morale while
staffing up, and maintain its global leadership in aviation.
Yes, we need to reinforce that we are the regulator for aircraft
manufacturers, airlines, and new entrants to the national airspace.
Yes, we need to stress continuously safety as second nature for all
FAA employees and stakeholders.
However, to accomplish all these things, we need permanent
leadership at the top of the FAA to address the challenges that we have
seen in the last several years. If confirmed, I will draw on a career
spanning almost 45 years to be that leader. The safety of the traveling
public will remain my top priority--as it has been for me leading the
third largest airport in the world, two large transit agencies, and men
and women in uniform.
If confirmed, I will be guided by the sacrifice and heroic advocacy
of the families of the 737 MAX and Colgan Air tragedies and perform the
Administrator role as I have performed every leadership role in my
professional life--with accountability, integrity, transparency,
respect, honesty, discipline, and an innovative mindset. I will own
well-intentioned failure, and FAA employees will own their success. I
will quicken the pace of public service and leave the FAA better than I
found it.
My hope is that the Committee and the full Senate will see the
value of my leadership and multi-modal transportation experience as it
deliberates my confirmation. Thank you for your consideration.
I am excited about the opportunity to serve and am pleased to take
your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used):
Phillip Anthony Washington
2. Position to which nominated: Administrator, Federal Aviation
Administration.
3. Date of Nomination: January 3, 2023.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Denver International Airport, Executive Office, Airport
Office Building, 9th Floor, 8500 Pena Blvd., Denver, CO 80249.
5. Date and Place of Birth: January 17, 1958; Chicago, IL.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: Waltraud Washington, Wife, not employed
Children: Monique Y. Crawford, Age 47; Phyllis E. (Washington)
Gebre-Michael, Age 42; Patrice R. Washington, Age 35; Phillip
A. Washington, Jr., Age 29.
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
aster of Arts Degree, Management, 1990, Webster University,
St. Louis, MO
Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, 1988, Columbia
College, St. Louis, MO
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
Related Managerial Experiences
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Denver International Airport
CEO, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (LA Metro)
CEO, Regional Transportation District (RTD), Denver, CO
Assistant General Manager, Administration, Regional
Transportation District (RTD), Denver, CO
Command Sergeant Major/E-9, (highest non-commissioned
military rank a soldier can attain), U.S. Army
Chief, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Information
Management Division, U.S. Army
First Sergeant, U.S. Army
Inspector General, U.S. Army
Chief, Training and Operations Administrator, U.S. Army
Chief Operations/Logistics Division, U.S. Army (NATO
Alliance)
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Please see Attachment #1
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age.
Expert Panel Member, NY Port Authority, LaGuardia Mass
Transit Alternative Panel (2021 to present)
Captain Biden/Harris Transportation Transition, Agency
Review Team (2020-2021)
USDOT Landing Team, Clinton/Kaine Campaign (was dependent
upon Clinton/Kane win in 2016) (2016)
Taskforce formed in 2011-2012, by Former First Lady Michelle
Obama to provide support for military veterans transitioning to
civilian life.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Denver International Airport
(2021 to present)
CEO, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (LA Metro) (2015-2021)
CEO, Regional Transportation District (RTD), Denver, CO
(2009-2015)
Advisory Board Member, TransPro Consulting (01/2022-06/2022)
(resigned position)
Member, Board of Directors, Visit Denver (12/2021 to
present)
Chair, Equity in Infrastructure Project (04/2022 to present)
Member, Board of Directors: Colorado Tourism Board (03/2022
to present)
12. Please list each membership you have had after 18 years of age
or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or
institution.). Include dates of membership and any positions you have
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Board Member and Former Chair, American Public
Transportation Association (APTA) (2010-2016)
Member, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials
(COMTO) (2004 to present)
Member, Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) (2010 to
present)
Member, Executive Committee, Transportation Research Board
(2009-2015)
Board Member, ENO Foundation (2009-2015)
Board Member, Colorado Tourism Board (2021 to present)
Board Member, Visit Denver (2021 to present)
None of these organizations restrict membership on any basis.
Note: There have been reports of my participation in a group of
Black men, called the ``Chicken Bone.'' This is an informal group of
men who get together occasionally to play golf and informally chat
about things that impact the health, well-being, and future of African
Americans in America. There is no membership in this group, and due to
the pandemic, the group has not convened in several years. I did not
include this in my previous questionnaire as I understood the question
as asking for formal groups but adding in here now out of an abundance
of caution.
Again, I want to make clear this is an informal social group.
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Co-Chair, Biden/Harris Policy Committee (2020)
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Biden for President: $1,000 (2020)
Biden Victory Fund: $1,000 (2020)
Campaign for LA City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas: $500
(2021) and $500 (2020)
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
All below recognition stem from my service in the U.S. Army:
Defense Superior Service Medal (2000)
Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1997)
Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award) (four different awards
throughout my military career)
Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award) (different awards
throughout my military career)
Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award) (different awards
throughout my military career)
Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award) (seven different awards
throughout my military career)
National Defense Service Medal (1981)
Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Dev Ribbon w/Numeral
4 (different awards throughout military career)
Army Service Ribbon (1981)
Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award) (different award after
each overseas tour of duty)
Expert Marksmanship Badge w/Rifle and Hand Grenade Bars
(1976 and ongoing throughout military career)
Other recognition for outstanding service or achievements are
listed below to the best of my recollection. Should any additional
recognition items be identified, I will promptly let the Committee
know:
Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS), U.S. DOT Secretary,
Ray LaHood Leadership Award (2018)
Named 2013-2014 Outstanding Public Transportation CEO in
North America by the American Public Transportation Association
(APTA).
Named by National Safety Council as one of the CEOs ``Who
Get It'' (2016)
Public Achievement Award from Hispanic Contractors of
Colorado (2014)
Appointed by the Mayor of Denver in 2007 as Chair for
Transportation for the 2008 Democratic National Convention Host
Committee
Emerging Leader of the Year Award, Conference of Minority
Transportation Officials (COMTO) (2005)
Diversity Leadership Award, (WTS) (2016)
Lifetime Achievement Award, Transportation Diversity Council
(2020)
Former LA Mayor Tom Bradley Equal Opportunity Award,
American Society of Public Administration (2017)
Former Congressman & Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta
Award for Exceptional Leadership, COMTO (2017)
Outstanding Leadership Award in Economic Development, LA
Economic Development Corporation (2018)
17. List each book, article, column, letter to the editor, Internet
blog posting, or other publication you have authored, individually or
with others. Include a link to each publication when possible. If a
link is not available, provide a digital copy of the publication when
available.
The following represents the most up-to-date list of publications--
to the best of my ability. If additional publications are identified
following submission of this questionnaire, I will promptly let the
Committee know:
Co-authored, with a Joanne Peterson, Chapter Eleven of book
entitled ``Empowering the New Mobility Workforce Educating,
Training, and Inspiring Future Transportation Professionals''
Co-authored with Don Howard, ``A Path to Fair and Equitable
Infrastructure Spending'' in Governing The Future of States and
Localities
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
I have delivered numerous speeches in the course of my career.
Please see Attachments #2 and #3 for the most up-to-date list of
speeches and non congressional hearings I have been able to compile
during my tenure at LA Metro and Denver International Airport--to the
best of my ability. If additional speeches or remarks are identified
following submission of this questionnaire, I will promptly let the
Committee know.
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and television
appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position for which you
have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to each statement
when possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of
the statement when available.
Please see Attachment #4.
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
[email protected] (account deleted in
2019)
[email protected] (account deleted in
2022)
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony.
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials,
``When Unlimited Potential Meets Limited Resources: The
Benefits and Challenges of High-Speed Rail and Emerging Rail
Technologies.'' May 2021.
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
``Impacts of State Owned Enterprises on Public Transit and
Freight Rail Sectors.'' May 2019.
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Panel
on Public Private Partnerships, ``Overview of Public-Private
Partnerships for Highway and Transit Projects,'' March 2014.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
I want to lead the effort to provide the safest, most efficient
aviation system in the world. My experience of running the 3rd busiest
airport in the world, and it being the state's largest economic engine
with an annual economic impact of $33.5 billion, translates well to the
FAA. In both my current and past positions, I have faced many of the
same challenges the FAA is currently experiencing, i.e., safety,
regulatory and oversight, contract and grant fund management,
information/cyber security, financial management, safety management
systems, innovation and research, HR management, and new entrants and
technology (e.g., airspace/drone/new entrants management). I believe
given my strong management background and experience, I can
successfully address challenges like these at FAA.
My knowledge and real-world experience of modal transportation
infrastructure systems, operations, safety, physical and cybersecurity,
military systems, community engagement, human capital development,
logistics, and leadership/management experience in all modes of
transportation give me a unique perspective of how transportation
systems should integrate into a seamless system. I also led the Biden-
Harris Transportation Transition Team that reviewed the entire U.S.
Department of Transportation. During that review, we interviewed
hundreds of people about the challenges facing the Department and
specifically the FAA and offered solutions. Many of those challenges
persist today. That work, along with my experience leading very large
transportation organizations, provide me with a unique perspective of
the FAA and how to improve the agency.
I desire to serve in this position because I would bring a new
perspective to FAA along with a uniquely responsive and safety-focused
mindset in engaging with Congress, the Administration, the Secretary,
the many FAA Stakeholders, and to the public. If confirmed, I will
further expand the Department's partnership with workers, communities
of color, the airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, the military,
labor, and aviation regulatory bodies around the world, and all
communities impacted by FAA operations. If confirmed, I am committed to
bringing all stakeholders and partners together to further impress upon
them the importance of the FAA safety mission.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
Safety is, and always will be, my top responsibility and priority
if given the honor to be confirmed as the next Administrator of the
FAA. Additionally, I bring a superior track record of expert internal
organizational and fiscal management to the FAA. I will lean on my
decades-long record of leadership, management, and oversight of
billion-dollar budgets, thousands of employees, and massive project and
program oversight. My financial and management leadership and oversight
experience of three of the largest infrastructure programs in America,
Denver International Airport's massive airport rehabilitation/
renovation program, Los Angeles County's Measure M, and the Regional
Transportation District of Denver's FasTracks programs, allow me to
bring unique management and accounting controls experience to the
position.
I have been a CEO of three of the largest infrastructure
organizations in this country. I have earned the highest non-
commissioned officer rank possible in one of the largest and most
respected institutions in the world, the United States Army. I have led
all of these organizations by leading from the front, making tough
decisions and standing by them, exhibiting integrity and displaying
total transparency, empathy, honesty, core beliefs, and having a high
degree of emotional intelligence that has allowed me to effectively
lead and motivate those in my charge.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
Safety Oversight. Specifically, the FAA's oversight of
aircraft certification processes. I strongly believe the FAA
must enhance the oversight of the aircraft certification
process through implementation of the bipartisan Aircraft
Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act. We must continue
to rebuild the FAA's image in the wake of the two tragic 737
MAX jet crashes. If confirmed, I will lead that effort
worldwide and believe my reputation in the transportation
industry will help the United States do just that
Modernizing New Systems. I am closely monitoring the
disruptions caused by the recent outage of FAA's Notice to Air
Missions (NOTAM) system and look forward to tackling this
matter if confirmed.
The En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system is a
foundational NextGen system that will improve the efficiency of
the Nation's airspace system. However, technical issues and
delays have hindered the FAA's efforts to replace ERAM's
original computer hardware to effectively modernize its system
software. Modernizing NextGen systems to introduce new
capabilities and become more efficient in our efforts to
maintain a safe airspace is a must. On a recent visit to the
Denver International Airport control tower, I spoke with
controllers who shared their frustrations with me that much of
the Nation's NextGen systems have not been installed or fully
implemented. Their perception is that there are constant starts
and stops in implementation of the new systems. If confirmed, I
am committed to fixing this problem.
Airspace and Technology Integration. Given all the new
aviation entrants and emerging technologies, it will be
critically important that there be a safe integration of manned
and unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace System
with proper regulatory oversight from the FAA. Safe integration
of new entrants, while allowing for technological innovation,
will be tricky, but doing both are essential.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
My arrangements are fully described in Part 3 of my Public
Financial Disclosure Report.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any potential conflicts of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any potential conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
In my previous position as CEO of LA Metro, I helped the Mayor of
Los Angeles lead the successful effort to pass a new half-cent sales
tax ballot measure in LA County. The measure is expected to generate
$120 billion in the first 40 years and build 40 major transportation
projects, create 778,000 jobs, and provide $133.3 billion in total
economic impact.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
No. Please see, however, response to Questions #2 and #3 on
lawsuits in which I have been named in my official capacity.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain.
When my questionnaire was first submitted to the Committee in
August 2022, I mentioned that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Department reportedly opened an investigation into a procurement
between LA Metro and a nonprofit called ``Peace Over Violence.'' This
procurement was in process prior to my employment with LA Metro in
March 2015, with the contract awarded in September 2015. Media reports
indicated that a search warrant was allegedly issued in conjunction
with that investigation. However, I was never contacted or questioned
by the Sheriff's Office about this case, nor was a search warrant ever
executed to the best of my knowledge. My understanding is that the
matter has been resolved, and I am not aware of any findings of
wrongdoing against me or LA Metro.
Following submission of the questionnaire, in September 2022, a
search warrant was served on Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl
related to the Peace Over Violence contract. I am not the subject of
the search warrant. My name is mentioned, along with several other
names, in a search for records, but no search was ever executed on me
or my property, nor have I been questioned on this matter.
In addition, in my previous roles at LA Metro and Denver RTD, I
have been named in several lawsuits in my official capacity. Please see
Attachment #5 for the most up-to-date list as compiled by LA Metro,
which handles these cases on behalf of LA Metro officials, and a search
run via Westlaw and PACER. If additional lawsuits are identified
following the submission of this questionnaire, I will promptly let the
Committee know.
I am happy to answer any questions the Committee may have on these
matters.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain.
See answer to Question #2 referencing legal proceedings in
Attachment #5.
I am happy to answer any questions the Committee may have on these
matters.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain.
While CEO of LA Metro, an employee in LA Metro alleged wrongful
hiring of employees of color. The allegation was deemed unsubstantiated
by the LA Metro Office of Inspector General, and the LA Metro Board of
Directors determined the allegation to not have merit. A related
Federal case by the Plaintiff was dismissed for lack of prosecution.
While CEO of Denver RTD, a prose complaint was filed against RTD
and several named parties, including me, alleging discrimination on the
basis of race and disability related to a claim of injury. The case was
ultimately dismissed.
I am happy to answer any questions the Committee may have on these
matters.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests
from members in the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistleblowers from reprisal for
their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Resume of Phillip A. Washington
Transportation infrastructure, operations, community engagement,
security, human capital development, information technology, and
leadership/management experience in all modes of transportation. Highly
effective executive oversight of active transportation-expansion
projects totaling $20+ billion. Distinguished U.S. Army military
career, including assignment in Headquarters, U.S. Army Europe and the
NATO Alliance, retiring after 24+ years at the pinnacle of the Non-
commissioned officer ranks, that of Command Sergeant Major, E-9. In
2020, appointed Captain 2020/2021 Biden/Harris Transportation
Transition, Agency Review Team.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
JULY 2021-PRESENT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
Nominated by Denver Mayor, Michael Hancock, and unanimously confirmed
by the Denver City Council as CEO in July 2021. DIA was the world's 3rd
busiest airport in 2021 and is Colorado's largest economic engine with
an annual economic impact of $33.5 billion. The airport has 30,000
total badged employees with 25 air carriers and additional concession
locations of more than 190,000 square feet of concession space.
Spearheading the effort to build one of a kind and first
ever Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation. Designed to
answer the President's call outlined in Executive Order 13985
and the Justice 40 Initiative.
Leading the effort to renovate the massive DIA airport
terminal, build 39 additional gates, design and build a seventh
runway, construct a new baggage system, and a complete revamp
of Asset Management System, concentrating on Predictive Asset
Management System vs. simply Age-based system.
Created and building Aviation Career Pathway Program that is
concentrating on young people in communities of color and
underserved communities.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LA METRO)
MARCH 2015-MAY 2021
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Unanimously selected CEO of LA Metro by the LA Metro Board of Directors
on March 12, 2015. Led the largest ever modern public works program in
North America. Oversaw one of the Nation's largest transportation
agencies that managed an annual budget of $8.0 billion and transports
1.2 million boarding passengers (Pre COVID) on an average weekday and
leading transportation planning, construction, and programing for the
country's most populous county.
Led the effort for a new half-cent sales tax ballot measure
that was passed by voters with a 71.15 percent approval.
Measure M will generate $120 billion in the first 40 years and
build 40 major transportation projects in the first 40 years,
create 778,000 jobs, and provide $133.3 billion in economic
impact.
Implemented zero-based budgeting and the Risk Allocation
Matrix (saving $300 million dollars per year). Developed and
implemented the first asset management plan and program
(condition-based asset management program will lead to millions
of dollars in savings each year).
Created and oversaw country's first ever Pre-development
Agreement (PDA) which will bring expertise and creativity of
the private sector to the country's most challenging corridor,
The Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project.
Led LA County transportation operations in the midst of the
COVID-19 Pandemic.
Led nation's largest effort to electrify entire ground fleet
and facilities of LA Metro, i.e., charging stations, etc.
Created a new Transit-Oriented Community Development
Program/land policy that aims to determine how transit
development can be community-focused with minimal displacement
of community residents in urban areas, most of whom are low
income.
Developed and implemented an Equity Framework that requires
the organization to apply equity measures to all programs and
initiatives, including planning and construction.
Regional Transportation District (RTD), Denver, Colorado
July 2000-March 2015
Built impressive 15-year internationally recognized achievement,
innovation and advancement with this eight-county, 2,340 square mile
unified transportation authority named by U.S. News and World Report in
2011 as No. 1 in public transportation in the U.S.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) May 2009-March 2015
Unanimously selected by a 15-member Board of Directors to lead the
Regional Transportation District, one of the most dynamic transit
agencies in North America. Strong leadership of all District operations
and expansions serving population of 2.8 million with daily boardings
of 328,000, annual boardings of 101.0 million on total budget
appropriation of $2.7 billion.
Led FasTracks expansion and build-out of 122 miles of new
commuter and light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service,
21,000 new parking spaces and redevelopment of the historic
Union Station Transit Terminal complex, which opened five
months ahead of anticipated completion.
Led first-of-its-kind $2.2 billion-dollar transit Public
Private Partnership (Eagle P3 Project) that opened in April
2016 on time and under budget. Also, formulated innovative
financing strategies lauded locally and nationally allowing RTD
to build more transportation infrastructure than previously
thought or envisioned.
Executed the largest one-time Federal Full-Funding Grant
Agreement ($1.3 billion) in RTD history.
Created and directed a FasTracks Internal Savings Account to
pool funds from internal sources to generate up to $300 million
by 2017--resulting in fund pool to build the first 13-mile
portion of the 18.5 mile north Metro Rail Line and to complete
the U.S. 36 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project.
Resolved two multi-million-dollar railroad agreements (with
Union Pacific and Burlington Northern), paving the way for
build-out of two vital commuter rail lines.
Implemented safety and training protocols leading to a 40
percent decrease in preventable bus accidents while improving
agency performance to consistently nearly 90 percent on-time
bus and rail service and 96 percent ADA on time performance.
Named 2013-2014 Outstanding Public Transportation CEO by the
American Public Transportation Association.
Spearheaded completion of RTD's West Rail Line eight months
ahead of schedule and under budget, with project named ``Most
Significant Construction Project in 2012'' by the Associated
General Contractors of America.
Invited to testify before U.S. Congress on innovative
transportation financing techniques and workforce initiatives.
Negotiated an unprecedented Win-win 5-year Collective
Bargaining Agreement, the first of its length in RTD history.
Assistant General Manager, Administration July 2000-May 2009
Selected from a competitive group of top-level executives based upon
strong leadership, managerial, operational, financial and
administrative abilities to direct major activities of Finance, Human
Resources, Materials Management (Procurement), Information Technology,
Treasury and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Excelled in all areas
of responsibility.
Versed in all transportation agency functions, i.e.,
multimodal and fixed guideway systems, financing programs
through grants and other revenue sources, FTA rule making and
discretionary funding programs and requirements, customer
service, public relations, safety, transit operations and
maintenance and planning.
Assigned oversight of a $620 million-dollar total budget
appropriation that included an operating budget of $400 million
and a capital budget of $220 million dollars.
Key member of senior executive team responsible for
organization selected as 2003 and 2008 Number #1 transit agency
in North America.
Named key member of 2003, 2006 and 2009 (Chief Negotiator)
management negotiating teams that resulted in successfully
negotiated collective bargaining agreements with the
Amalgamated Transit Union #1001.
Guided redesign and improvement of all agency communication
systems.
Contributed key role in implementing and managing RTD's $7.8
billion dollar, twelve-year FasTracks expansion program for
high quality transit service and facilities in the Denver metro
region.
Appointed oversight for implementing and managing agency
performance measures resulting in improvements in every
significant functional area.
Spearheaded implementation of new $17.5 million dollar
Enterprise Resource Program (ERP) system to replace agency's
25-year old Legacy computer systems. Brought project in ahead
of schedule and $750,000 under budget.
U.S. Army
June 1976-July 2000
Command Sergeant Major (highest non-commissioned military rank
possible) June 1998-July 2000 (Promoted ahead of peers to every
military enlisted rank)
Western Sector, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command, Aurora, CO
Top Non-commissioned officer responsible for an organization
processing 270,000 applicants annually from all services for
service in the Armed Forces.
Ensured compliance with policies pertaining to operations
and administration, performance, transportation, discipline,
safety, management and training, and fiscal oversight.
Prepared military soldiers to reenter civilian life through
counseling and ensuring transition services.
Acted as organization's Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff.
Designed innovative methods to improve the military
recruiting processes for the entire Western part of the United
States, resulting in all armed services meeting their
recruiting goals for the period.
Chief, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Information Management
Division August 1995-May 1998
U.S. Army Europe, 5th Signal Command, Heidelberg, Germany
Performed in cornerstone of the U.S. Army Europe's busiest
division as key player in every command project and function in
support of troops during the three-year period.
Guided planning, management and successful establishment of
a viable military communications system during the initial
phase of the U.S. military peace-keeping operation in
Southeastern Europe.
Developed a communications matrix resulting in an annual
European-wide savings of nearly $500,000.
Planned and hosted several U.S. Army Europe allied, foreign
country military-to-military partnership visits.
Coordinated and implemented transportation operations in
Headquarters, U.S. Army Europe's largest divisions.
First Sergeant/Senior Enlisted Advisor April 1993-August 1995
U.S. Army Tank Command, Warren, MI
Top enlisted soldier for a unit with over 300 combat-ready
soldiers assigned and a budget of $100 to $150 million.
Responsible for the health, morale, discipline, welfare,
operations and training of all soldiers entrusted to my care.
Guided successful design, implementation, and fielding of
several major U.S. Army weapons systems.
Appointed oversight for all transportation operations for
the Command.
Inspector General April 1990-April 1993
HQ, U.S. Army Europe, Heidelberg, Germany
Selected for prestigious assignment at Headquarters, U.S.
Army in Europe.
Identified and resolved systemic operational challenges and
adverse trends throughout U.S. Army Europe.
Provided prudent advice, training, assistance, and
counseling to soldiers, commanders, family members,
whistleblowers, and Department of Defense civilians.
Supported OPERATION Desert Storm and recommended many money-
saving proactive measures that were adopted throughout the
European theater of military operation.
Chief, Training Instructor and Operations Administrator September 1986-
March 1990
Readiness Group: Sheridan, Fort Sheridan, IL
Served as principal active-Army trainer/operations
administrator to Reserve component soldiers throughout 7-state
Midwest region.
Developed and presented instructional material to more than
25,000 soldiers annually. Prepared them for wartime logistical
operations.
Successfully maintained two demanding positions, both
requiring excellence in time management, operational,
administrative and leadership skills.
Chief, Human Capital Division March 1986-September 1988
Readiness Group Sheridan, Fort Sheridan, IL
Served all HR Division functions for a 300-person
organization including training, logistics, compensation,
retention, and employee relations.
Developed personnel accountability procedures and incentives
that reduced absenteeism and tardiness.
Created a rigorous physical fitness and smoking-cessation
program resulting in reduced down time.
Cornerstone of the unit.
Chief, Operations/Logistics Division, NATO January 1982-February 1986
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Oberammergau, Germany
Emerged as key player in organization's most demanding
division by mastering nine different functional areas that
educated and trained current and developing NATO operations,
strategy, policy, doctrine, and procedures.
Spearheaded procurement, logistics, and safety programs for
the division.
Coordinated transportation and operations for top NATO
diplomats and VIPs.
Managed all logistics and acted as U.S. military liaison for
host nation activities.
EDUCATION
Harvard Kennedy School for Executive Education, Senior
Executive in State and Local Government, 2018
Master of Arts, Management, Webster University, St. Louis,
MO-1990
Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, Columbia College,
St. Louis, MO-1988
Graduate of numerous military and civilian courses focusing
on leadership and a vast array of other disciplines, i.e.,
warfighting, finance, safety, transit and aviation operations,
planning, procurement, intelligent transportation systems,
customer service, information technology, and media relations.
Graduate of Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP),
Transit Executive Leadership Program, 2004.
Graduate of National Transit Institute's (NTI) Senior
Transit Leadership Program, 2004. Selected in 2007 by the
Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) as one of a 12-
member team from around the United States to participate in the
Federal Transit Administration funded International Transit
Studies Program to study and report on transportation
operations in Canada and Europe.
Certified by Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as
a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
HONORS INCLUDE
Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS), U.S. Department of
Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood Leadership Award (2018).
Named 2013-2014 Outstanding Public Transportation CEO/
Manager in North America by the American Public Transportation
Association (APTA) and named Chair of APTA 2014-2015.
Chosen by the National Safety Council as one of the CEOs
``Who Get It''--an honor bestowed on CEOs who demonstrate
leadership in safety at the highest levels. Invited to White
House by U.S. Department of Transportation to participate in
discussion of U.S. Army soldier credentialing and licensing
(2013 & 2014).
Testified before U.S. House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and awarded by White House in July 2012 as
Transportation Innovators ``Champion of Change.''
Honored in January 2011 with the Public Achievement Award
from the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado.
Appointed by Colorado Governor in February 2009 to the State
of Colorado's Workforce Development Council.
Appointed by the Mayor of Denver in 2007 as Working Co-chair
for Transportation for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
Recipient of 2007 RTD General Manager/Chief Executive
Officer Award for Excellence in Performance.
Appointed by the Mayor of Denver in 2006 to the City's
Diversity in Safety Task Force. Developed strategies for
promoting diversity in the recruitment and hiring of fire and
police department candidates.
Awarded 2005 ``Emerging Leader of the Year Award'' by the
Conference of Minority Transportation Officials.
Awarded 2005 Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS), Colorado
Chapter, Diversity Leadership Award.
Distinguished U.S. Army military career, having been
promoted from the ``Secondary Zone'' or ahead of peers to each
military rank, from E-1 to the enlisted military rank pinnacle
of E-9 (Command Sergeant Major). After 24 years of military
service and upon retirement, awarded the Defense Superior
Service Medal for exceptional service to his country. Disabled
veteran.
______
Presentations made by Phillip A. Washington since he started at DEN
2021
September Commission on the Future of Mobility, Sept. 21, 2021
Virtual Panel Discussion
Hispanic Contractors of Colorado, Sept. 22, 2021
Keynote Remarks
Conference of Minority Transportation Officials 50th
Anniversary Conference, Sept
Virtual Panel Discussion
Urban Land Institute Colorado Multifamily Product
Council, Sept. 29, 2021
Keynote Remarks
October Denver International Airport Safety Seminar, Oct. 1,
2021
Keynote Remarks
HDR Transcon, Oct. 25, 2021
Keynote Remarks
U.S. Travel Association Future of Travel Mobility
Conference, Oct. 26, 2021
Business Leader Panel Discussion
DEN AIM DEVELOPMENT and BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SERVICES,
Oct. 27, 2021
Remarks about Phil's vision for procurement
processes
November Holder FCI NAACP Ten for DEN Event, Nov. 2, 2021
Keynote Remarks
Aurora Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee
Breakfast, Nov. 3, 2021
Keynote Remarks
Southwest Airlines 15th Anniversary/Economic Impact
Event, Nov. 5, 2021
Remarks and Emcee Event
December Bessie Coleman Fly Girls and Boys Program DEN Visit
December 18th
2022
January U.S. Conference of Mayors, Jan. 2022
Panel Discussion
Colorado Consular Corps, Jan. 25, 2022
Keynote Remarks
February WSP Presentation, Feb. 7, 2022
Keynote Remarks
Move Colorado Presentation, Feb. 10, 2022
Virtual Remarks
Holder-FCI--Ten 4 DEN--Heritage Christian Center
Event, Feb. 17, 2022
Keynote Remarks
March Airport Experience Conference, March 2, 2022
Panel Discussion
2022 Silver Anniversary CU Real Estate Center Annual
Forum, March 9, 2022
Panel Discussion/Executive Interview
April American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Transit CEOs Seminar, April 9, 2022
Keynote Remarks
2022 Silver Anniversary CU Real Estate Center Annual
Forum, March 9, 2022
Panel Discussion/Executive Interview
American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Transit CEOs Seminar, April 9, 2022
Keynote Remarks
Colorado Transportation Symposium, April 13, 2022
Keynote Remarks
May HNTB Corporation Think: Infrastructure Forum Series,
May 3, 2022
Panel Discussion
Hispanic Contractors of Colorado Legislative Policy
Committee, May 9, 2022
Keynote Presentation
United Airlines/DEN United Management Association
Fireside Chat, May 10, 2022
Fireside Chat
Squire Patton Boggs Transportation Industry Group
Meeting, May 12, 2022
Virtual Keynote Presentation
Aurora Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Recognition
Event, May 13, 2022
Keynote Presentation
Eno Transportation--Transportation Senior Executives
Dinner, May 16, 2022
Keynote Presentation
United for Infrastructure Summit, May 16, 2022
Panel Discussion
Innovative Infrastructure Initiative (I3), May 17,
2022
Panel Discussion
CityAge Executive Roundtable Discussion on
Infrastructure, May 18, 2022
Panel Discussion
June United Airlines Flight Training Center (FTC) Expansion
Groundbreaking Event, June
Brief Remarks
American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Board of Directors, June 4, 2022
Keynote Presentation
DEN Summer Intern Kickoff Welcome Remarks, June 6,
2022
Welcome Remarks
Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Airport
Business Diversity Conference A
Panel Discussion
Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Airport
Business Diversity Conference A
Panel Discussion
National Association of Securities Professionals 33rd
Annual Financial Services Con
Panel Discussion
International Women's Forum of Colorado Reception,
June 30, 2022
Keynote Remarks
July Hensel Phelps Great Hall Project Completion Phase
Kickoff Meeting, July 12, 2022
Keynote Remarks
Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)
Annual Conference, July 26, 20
Keynote Panel Discussion
August DEN Business Development Training Academy, Aug. 2
Opening Remarks
Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Aug. 4, 2022
Panel Discussion
Frontier Airlines Ground Loading Facility
Groundbreaking, Aug. 8, 2022
Brief Remarks
Mercantile Ribbon Cutting, Aug. 15, 2022
Brief Remarks
Transit Unplugged TV, Aug. 18, 2022
Podcast Interview
Access Denver, Aug. 23, 2022
Keynote Remarks
American Contract Compliance Association National
Training Institute, Aug. 24, 20
Panel Discussion
Regis University Executive Speaker Series Fireside
Chat, Aug. 30, 2022
Virtual Keynote Remarks
Airports Council International, Airport Management
Professional Accreditation Pr
Keynote Remarks
September Burns Society, University of Denver, Sep. 1, 2022
Keynote Remarks
Denver Workforce Board, Sep. 9, 2022
Keynote Presentation
Airport of the Year Award, Airline Pilots Association,
Sep. 15, 2022
Brief Remarks
DEN Business Development Training Academy Graduation,
Sep. 27, 2022
Brief Remarks
October Move Colorado, Oct. 13, 2022
Keynote Presentation
American Public Works Association (Colorado Chapter),
Oct. 24, 2022
Keynote Remarks
November Airport Consultants Council Annual Conference, Nov. 8,
2022
Panel Discussion
DEN Leadership Academy, Nov. 22, 2022
Brief Remarks
Center for Equity and Excellence in Aviation Design
Reveal, Nov. 28, 2022
Brief Remarks
December Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce--State of DEN, Dec.
8, 2022
Keynote Presentation
2023
January US Conference of Mayors, Jan. 19, 2022
Panel Discussion
Architecture, Engineering & Construction Panel, June
22, 2022
______
February 22, 2023
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Chair, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member Cruz,
Thank you again for your Committee's consideration of my nomination
to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Upon
further review, I have identified additional items to update in the
Nominee Questionnaire:
The attached spreadsheets include additional speeches
(highlighted in gray) that I previously did not locate despite
a diligent search. In addition, when available, I am including
links. I am also providing this link with digital copies of my
speeches and presentations given in my current position at
Denver International Airport--https://spaces.hightail.com/
receive/zBpXrkbch0.
I am also attaching a list of lawsuits (all previously
disclosed) with additional columns for descriptions and
disposition of the cases. I also have a summary of a recent
lawsuit in which I am mentioned in the complaint but not a
party.
Regarding this LinkedIn account that was inadvertently not
disclosed--https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-washington-36ba504/
--it has not been used in years and was created years ago based
on an e-mail address I no longer use. As a result, I have not
been able to deactivate this link. But again--I do not use this
account.
Regarding my prior employment for question 8, I am revising
my answer, so it reads as follows:
Please see attached Resume (Attachment 1) listing my
employment going back to my enlistment in the U.S. Army in
1976.
Please note that all my assignments between 1976 to
1982 relate to my enlisting in the U.S. Army, including
basic training, assignment to an air defense artillery
unit, and U.S. Army Materiel Command.
In addition, here are specific related managerial
experiences:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Denver International
Airport--July 2021 to present
CEO, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (LA Metro)--March 2015-March 2021
CEO, Regional Transportation District (RTD), Denver, CO--May
2009-March 2015
Assistant General Manager, Administration, Regional
Transportation District (RTD), Denver, CO--July 2000-May 2009
Command Sergeant Major/E-9, (highest non-commissioned
military rank a soldier can attain), U.S. Army--June 1998-July
2000
Chief, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Information
Management Division, U.S. Army Europe--August 1995-May 1998
First Sergeant, U.S. Army Tank Command--August 1993-August
1995
Inspector General, U.S. Army Europe, April 1990-April 1993
Chief, Training and Operations Administrator, U.S. Army,
September 1986-March 1990
Chief, Human Capital Division, U.S. Army--March 1986-
September 1988
Chief Operations/Logistics Division, U.S. Army, NATO,
January 1982-February 1986
I have done my best to identify items in my questionnaire that need
to be supplemented, including a review of personal files and searches
of publicly available electronic databases. Despite my searches, there
may be other materials I have been unable to identify, find, or
remember. Should anything further come to light, I will promptly update
the Committee.
I have the utmost respect for the role of this Committee and of
Congress in confirming Presidential nominees. I remain available to
answer any additional questions you may have concerning my nomination.
Respectfully,
Phillip A. Washington.
______
Phillip A. Washington Speaking Engagements
2015 and Older
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Month Organization Type
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011 April Atlanta Regional Commission Panelist
2011 October C470 Transportation Summit Speaker
2014 October COMTO Studio 71 Discussion
2015 March 2015 Legislative Conference APTA Welcome Remarks
2015 March L.A. Mayor and Metro Chair Eric Speaker
Garcetti announced that the Metro
Board has a
2015 June L.A. County Community College Speaker
District's press event
2015 July Press event: Santa Monica's Speaker
California Incline
2015 August No Double Track August 25 2015 Speaker
Metro Meeting
2015 August Zocalo Public Square Speaker
2015 October Stand Up 4 Transportation Discussion
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phillip A. Washington Speaking Engagements
Jan. 2016-Dec. 2021
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Month Organization Type
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016 January State of the Agency Keynote
2016 February Neighborhood Integrity Initiative Remarks
2016 February Transformation through Keynote,
Transportation: Metro Industry Moderator
Forum Conference
82016 February Transit Coalition Meeting with Phil Speaker
Washington 04 February 2016
2016 March USHSR LA2015 conference Speaker
2016 March VICA Welcomes Metro CEO Phil Speaker
Washington for Leaders Forum at
Sportsmen's Lodge Mar 31, 2016
2016 August Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association Speaker
2016 September 20th Annual Global Green Awards Award
Acceptance
2016 September AAae Speech
2016 September Metro P3 Stakeholders' Meeting Opening Remarks
2016 October Mobility 21 Keynote,
panelist
2016 October San Gabriel Valley COG General Keynote
Assembly Keynote
82016 October LA Chamber of Commerce: State of LA Speaker
Business--Session 3: Future of LA
Infrastructure
2016 November Tami's Take--Measure M Interview
format
2016 November 30th Annual NAWBO-LA Leadership and Speaker0
Legacy Awards Luncheon
2017 January State of the Agency Keynote
82017 February US HIGH SPEED RAIL ASSOCIATION, Speaker
WEST COAST RAIL CONFERENCE, Feb.
28, 2017
2017 February ReBuild SoCal, Thanks SCPFJ Thank you
message
2017 March CU @ USC Discussion0
2017 April RAND Corporation Justice, Keynote
Infrastructure, and Environment
Board Meeting Dinner
82017 April 2017 West Coast Rail Conference Keynote0
2017 May P3 Hub West Infrastructure Panelist
Conference
2017 June Summit on Infrastructure and Public- Panelist
Private Partnerships
2017 July WIN-LA Launch Keynote, emcee
2017 July APTA Passenger Railway Engineering Panelist
Education Symposium
2017 August Rail Volution Panelist
2017 September 15th Annual W.I.N.T.E.R. Gala Keynote
2017 October SmartTransit Congress Speaker
2017 October WTS Award
Acceptance
2017 October International Economic Forum of the Panelist
Americas Conference
2017 October Valley Industry and Commerce Speaker
Association (VICA) Business
Forecast Conference
2017 October National Association of City Speaker
Transportation Officials (NACTO)
Designing Cities Conference
2017 October The Future of Transport Panelist
2017 November 2017 Mayoral Housing, Panel
Transportation & Jobs Summit:
Smart Growth & Equity in an
Expanding Economy
2017 November U.S. VETS Salute Gala Award
Acceptance
2017 November Arab American Engineers Dinner Keynote
82018 January Transit Unplugged Podcast
Interview0
2018 March HNTB's THINK Panelist
2018 April 14th Annual Torch Awards Award
Acceptance
82018 April 2018 West Coast Rail Conference Speaker
2018 May The Rail Volution Podcast: Not Podcast
your grandfather's transportation Interview0
agency
2018 May CityAge Designing and Building the Panelist
Future's Infrastructure
2018 May European Mobility Exhibition Award
Acceptance
2018 June Urban Exploration 2018: Panelist
Transforming Mobility
82018 June Metro Los Angeles, State Of the Speaker
Agency 2018
2018 June Transports Publics 2018, Futura- Mobility in the
Mobility U.S. In0
2018 July Financial Innovation Lab: Investing Keynote
in Urban Resiliency
2018 August Los Angeles/Ventura Chapter of the Keynote
Building Industry Association of
Southern California (BIA-LAV)
2018 October Association for Budgeting and Panelist
Financial Management Conference
2018 October Rail Volution Building Livable Panelist
Communities with Transit
2018 October Mobility 21 Keynote,
Panelist
2018 November American Society of Civil Engineers Keynote
(ASCE)
2018 November COGIC, successful community Speaker
development organizations and how
local churches can establish one
2018 December Los Angeles Sustainability Awards Award
Dinner: Leadership Award Recipient Acceptance S
2018 December Society of Hispanic Professional Keynote
Engineers
2019 January Employee Excellence Awards Emcee
2019 January CORO Crystal Eagle Awards Gala Award
Dinner Acceptance S
2019 January Construction Network Transportation Panelist
Vision Conference
2019 February American Bar Association Forum on Keynote speaker
Construction Law Diversity
Breakfast
2019 February Technology Governance Summit Keynote Speaker
2019 February Downtown Seattle Association State Keynote Speaker
of Seattle Conference
2019 February From Water to Transportation: Panelist
African-Americans Leading the
Nation
2019 March 3-16 Field Artillery Regiment Keynote Speaker
Leadership and Professional
Development Conference
2019 March Move LA 10th Annual Transportation Keynote
Conference
2019 March Eno Transit Senior Executive Keynote
Program: Lessons in Leadership
2019 March California Transportation Emcee
Commission Reception
2019 March Women and Girls Governing Council Keynote
Summit
2019 March Rail Car Roundtable Host and
keynote sp
82019 April Transit Unplugged Live Panel Panelist0
2019 April Conference of Minority Panelist
Transportation Officials Careers
in Transportation Conference
2019 April P3 Hub Next Generation Presenter
Infrastructure Projects Conference
2019 April American Public Transportation Keynote
Association CEO Seminar
2019 April Freight Working Group Conference Keynote
2019 April West Coast Rail Conference Keynote
2019 Apr Milken Institute Global Conference Panelist
2019 May Future of the Automobile Conference Panelist
2019 May Alpha Phi Alpha GEH Scholarship Keynote
Dinner
2019 May African American Board Leadership Award
Institute Acceptance S
2019 May The Transit Coalition Keynote
82019 May House Transportation & Testimony
Infrastructure Committee
2019 May House Transportation and Speaker0
Infrastructure Committee, Hearing:
``The Impacts of State-Owned
Enterprises on Public Transit +
Freight Rail Sectors''
2019 Jun State of the Agency Keynote
2019 Jun ACT-LA Equity in Motion Townhall on Panelist
Housing and Transportation
2019 Jun Mobility on Demand Forum at the ITS Keynote Speaker
America Annual Meeting
2019 Jun Taylor Yard Bridge Groundbreaking Speaker
Ceremony
2019 Jun Think Transit Conference Speaker
2019 Jul American Society for Public Keynote
Administration Awards Luncheon
2019 Jul Conference of Minority Panelist
Transportation Officials CEO
Summit
2019 Jul Bisnow Long Beach Boom Conference Panelist
2019 Jul Los Angeles Infill: Trends, Tips Panelist
and Tools for Southern California
2019 Jul TCAP Career Academy Program Keynote
Luncheon
2019 Jul Governing Magazine Summit on Panelist
Infrastructure
2019 Aug Metro Leadership Academy All Stars Keynote
Event
2019 Aug Transit Bus Technology Advisory Panelist
Board Panel
2019 Aug Airport Minority Advisory Council Panelist
Diversity Conference
2019 Aug Sepulveda PDA Industry Forum
2019 Sep Intelligent Transportation Society Panelist
Conference
2019 Sep Los Angeles Sustainability Keynote
Coalition Dinner
2019 Sep Pioneer Institute Better Government Award
Competition Awards Gala Acceptance S
2019 Oct Milken Institute Accelerating Host and
Private Investment in keynote
Infrastructure Tour and Dinner speaker
2019 Oct NAACP Awards Dinner Award
Acceptance S
2019 Oct Eddy Awards Gala Award
Acceptance S
2019 Oct James T. Butts Small Business Forum Panelist
2019 Oct Metropolitan Water District Board Presenter
Meeting
2019 Oct Long Beach Transit Sustainability Panelist
Summit
2019 Oct Mobility 21 Workforce Conference Emcee
2019 Oct Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Speaker
State of Infrastructure Summit
2019 Nov LA County Economic Development Corp Award
Acceptance
2019 Nov Metro A Line Reopening Ceremony Keynote
2019 Nov Veterans Day Los Angeles Stadium Speaker
Celebration
2019 Nov Los Angeles Veterans Day Luncheon Host and
keynote
speaker
2019 Nov Aging and Disability Transportation Keynote
forum
2019 Nov West Angeles Church Community Keynote
Roundtable
2019 Nov Los Angeles Union Station Holiday Speaker
Tree Lighting Ceremony
2019 Nov Los Angeles Mayoral Housing, Panelist
Transportation and Jobs Summit
2019 Nov CoMotion Los Angeles Conference Speaker
2019 Dec Institute for Corporate Council Keynote
Conference
2020 Jan Employee Excellence Awards Emcee
2020 Jan VerdeXchange Conference Panelist
2020 Feb Eno Transit Senior Executive Keynote
Program
82020 Mar Go DTLA Keynote0
2020 Mar Los Angeles Business Journal Panelist
Diversity and Inclusion Summit
2020 Mar US Congresswoman Maxine Waters Panelist
TeleTown Hall
2020 Mar RailVolution National Steering Presenter
Committee Meeting
2020 Apr U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Panelist
Return to Work Virtual Conference
82020 May Transit Unplugged Interview
format0
2020 May Federal Transit Administration Panelist
Listening Session Videoconference
2020 May California High Speed Rail Armchair Keynote
Chat
2020 May Small Business Week Kickoff Keynote
2020 May Federal Transit Administration Panelist
Listening Session Videoconference
2020 June San Fernando Valley COG Mobility Q&A
Workshop
2020 June State of the Agency Keynote
2020 June All Hands Virtual Town Hall Keynote
2020 June Alliance for Community Transit Keynote
2020 June Alliance for Community Transit Panelist
2020 June Intelligent Transportation Society Panelist
of America Between Two Futures
Series
2020 June San Fernando Valley Council of Presenter
Governments Presentation
2020 Jul Blue Line 30th Anniversary Speaker
Celebration
2020 Jul Transportation Career Academy Guest
Program Live Talk Show
2020 Jul Alpha Vu National Survey Webinar Presenter
2020 Jul New York MTA Virtual Rally Presenter
2020 Jul California Transportation Panelist
Foundation Roundtable
2020 Jul BizFed Small Business Forum Keynote
2020 Jul SEED School of Los Angeles Funders Presenter
Conference
2020 Aug Mobility 21 State and Federal Panelist
Funding Panel
2020 Aug Move Los Angeles: Boulevards of Keynote
Equity and Opportunity
2020 Aug Mobility 21 Annual Conference: Panelist
Equity and Recovery Panel
2020 Aug Mobility 21 Annual Conference: Speaker
General Session Closing Remarks
2020 Sep APTA ``Health and Safety Speaker
Commitments Program'' National
Launch
2020 Sep Port of Long Beach Gerald Desmond Speaker
Bridge Reopening Ceremony
2020 Sep Los Angeles CleanTech Incubator Keynote
Power Day
82020 Sep Los Angeles CleanTech Incubator Keynote
Power Day, Advancing Equity Summit
2020 Sep Los Angeles CleanTech Incubator Panel0
Power Talk
2020 Sep University of Southern California Keynote
METRANS Industry Outlook
2020 Oct University of Southern California Panel
Price School of Public Policy
Executive Forum
2020 Oct Milken Institute Conference on Keynote
Resilient Infrastructure
2020 Oct Conference of Minority Keynote
Transportation Officials Colorado
Leaders in Transportation
2020 Oct World Economic Forum Collaborative Speaker
Infrastructure Delivery Conference
2020 Oct University of California Los Keynote
Angeles Arrowhead Speaker Series
2020 Nov Metro's Virtual Veterans Day Speaker
Luncheon
2020 Dec Transportation Research Board Cross- Keynote
Cutting Issues in Urban Congestion
Pricing
2021 Jan SCLC-SC Gala Award
Acceptance
2021 Jan TSA Transportation Mask Directive Presentation
2021 Jan Los Angeles Metro Overview Presenter
Presentation to the Biden
Administration
2021 Jan Council of University Award
Transportation Centers Lifetime Acceptance S
Achievement Awards
2021 Jan Southern Christian Leadership Award
Conference Awards Acceptance S
2021 Jan Mineta Transportation Institute Keynote
Leadership Conference
2021 Jan Solutions International Keynote
Infrastructure Conference
2021 Jan Employee Excellence Awards Emcee
2021 Feb Global Leadership Alliance Interview
format
2021 Feb Airport Minority Advisory Council Panelist
Diversity Conference
2021 Feb American Public Transportation Keynote
Association Marketing and
Communications Workshop
2021 Feb Los Angeles Mayoral Housing, Panelist
Transportation and Jobs Summit
2021 Feb Los Angeles Sustainability Keynote
Coalition Honors Dinner
82021 February COMTO: Black History Month: Panel
Celebrate History-Making at the Discussion,
State DOT Level, Feb. 25, 2021 Mo0
2021 March 3 Revolutions Future Mobility Panelist
Conference at U.S. Davis
2021 March 3 Revolutions Future Mobility Keynote
Conference at U.S. Davis
82021 March Pritzer Forum on Global Cities, Keynote0
Justice40 Initiative
2021 March American Society of Civil Engineers Presenter
(ASCE) Infrastructure Report Card
Summit
2021 March Energy Resiliency Summit Keynote
2021 March American Public Transportation Panelist
Association Mobility Conference:
Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable
2021 March California Transportation Panelist
Foundation Infrastructure Forum
2021 March Inglewood Transit Connector Speaker
Industry Forum
2021 March OffiCon Germany Conference Speaker
2021 March American Rescue Plan Act Press Speaker
Event
2021 March California Council of Governments Panelist
Regional Leadership Forum
2021 March Move Los Angeles: Spring Forward Panelist
2021 March Colorado Transportation Symposium Keynote
82021 March Indianapolis Airport Authority, Discussion0
Equity Insights Fireside Chat
2021 May Los Angeles International Airport Keynote
(LAX) Chamber of Commerce Power
Hour
2021 May U.S. Army National Training Center Keynote
at Fort Irwin Leadership Lecture
2021 May Urban Land Institute Infrastructure Keynote
Forum
------------------------------------------------------------------------
______
Philip A. Washington Legal Proceedings
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matter Matter
Matter Name Opened Closed Status Court Docket# Brief Description Notes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bell v. 9/26/03 4/22/04 CloUSDC--Distri 1:03-cv- Employment The parties
Regional ct of 01922-EWN- discrimination case filed a
Trans Colorado CBS against RTD. joint
Dist., et Because this is an stipulation
al. older case, the of
pleadings were no settlement.
longer accessible
on PACER.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jones v. 6/29/10 12/8/10 CloUSDC--Distri 1:10-cv- Complaint against The Court
Regional ct of 01535-REB- RTD in which Phil dismissed
Transportat Colorado CBS Washington, along all claims
ion with other co- and the
District, defendants, were case with
et al. named involves a prejudice.
customer who
allegedly broke his
pinkie finger when
the bus abruptly
stopped as he was
exiting the
vehicle. The pro se
plaintiff alleged
various race and
disability
discrimination
claims related to
the investigation
and denial of his
damages claim.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today's IV, 6/6/16 8/31/16 CloUSDC, 2:16-cv- APA case alleging The
Inc. v. Central 03987-JAK- violations of NEPA plaintiff
FTA, et al. District of PLA in connection with voluntarily
California LA Metro's Regional dismissed
Connector Project, its action.
which is a light
rail subway
extension of the LA
Metro's existing
Blue, Gold, and
Expo Lines in
downtown Los
Angeles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beverly 11/10/16 1/30/17 CloUSDC, 2:16-cv- Allegation of The court
Hills Central 08390-GW-SS violations under granted the
Unified District of NEPA in an attempt defendant's
School California to prevent LA Metro motion to
District v. from executing a dismiss for
Los Angeles Full Funding Grant lack of
County Agreement with FTA subject
Metropolita in connection with matter
n the West Side jurisdictio
Transportat Subway Extension n. The
ion project. plaintiff
Authority, filed an
et al. appeal of
the
district
court's
decision in
the Ninth
Circuit
(No. 17-
55077).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price v. 6/16/17 3/23/18 CloUSDC, 2:17-cv- An employee of the The court
FTA, et al. Central 04489 Metropolitan granted the
District of Transportation defendants'
California Authority (MTA) motions to
filed an action dismiss and
against MTA, the dismissed
County of Los all claims
Angeles, FTA, with
Caltrans, and prejudice.
several MTA
employees,
including Mr.
Washington,
alleging harassment
by a supervisor and
discrimination.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beverly 1/20/17 7/31/17 CloUSCOA--Ninth 17-cv-55077 Plaintiff's appeal The parties
Hills Unif. Circuit of the district filed a
Sch. Dist. court's decision to stipulated
V. Los dismiss its action motion to
Angeles for lack of subject voluntarily
County MTA, matter jurisdiction dismiss the
et al. in its action appeal.
against LA Metro
alleging violations
of NEPA in
connection with LA
Metro's execution
of a Full Funding
Grant Agreement
with FTA for the
West Side Subway
Extension project.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beverly 1/26/18 5/26/20 CloUSDC, 2:18-cv- APA case alleging Judgment
Hills Central 00716-GW-SS violations of NEPA, entered in
Unified District of and Sec. 4(f), and favor of
School California Sec. 106 in defendants
District v. connection with LA on all of
FTA, et al. Metro's Purple Line plaintiff's
Extension, Section claims.
2 Project alignment
beneath Beverly
Hills High School
in Beverly Hills,
CA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of 5/9/18 12/10/20 CloUSDC, 2:18-cv- APA case alleging Plaintiff in
Beverly Central 03891-GW-SS violations of NEPA, its
Hills v. District of and Sec. 4(f), and entirety,
FTA, et al. California Sec. 106, and with
Clean Air Act in prejudice.
connection with LA
Metro's Purple Line
Extension, Section
2 Project alignment
beneath Beverly
Hills High School
in Beverly Hills,
CA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Belinda 9/13/19 Active USDC, 2:19-cv- In her Complaint, LACMTA and
Muhammad v. Central 07970-JAK- Plaintiff bus Phillip
LACMTA, et District of PVC passenger alleged Washington
al. California violations of 42 are no
U.S.C. Sec. 1983 longer
against LACMTA and defendants
Mr. Washington. in this
However, in her action.
Fourth Amended LACMTA
Complaint, filed on attorneys
7/8/21, Plaintiff are
alleges a cause of representin
action under Sec. g the
1983 against a defendant
single defendant, bus
LACMTA bus operator operator.
Bretanniyia Jenkins
based upon
Defendant's alleged
violations of
Plaintiff's rights
under the 1st and
14th Amendments of
the U.S.
Constitution.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loew v. Los 2/27/20 8/12/20 CloUSDC-Central 2:20-cv- Jennifer Loew, now a This case
Angeles District of 01900-VAP- former Metro was
County California JEM employee, named Mr. dismissed
Metropolita Washington as a by the
n defendant, among Court for
Transportat others, alleging lack of
ion discrimination and prosecution
Authority, retaliation. .
et al.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, please note a small claims action by ``Cameron Lyons''
against ``Phillip A. Washington'' was filed in Los Angeles Superior
Court (Cas. No. 19STSC04344) on 4/16/19 and dismissed on 7/8/19 for
lack of prosecution before hearing.
Finally, the below complaint was filed on February 13, 2023.
However, though mentioned within the complaint, Mr. Washington is not
listed as a party to this case.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Juarez v. 2/13/23 Active USDC--Distri 1:23-cv- This case is an Mr.
City and ct of 00409-PAB- employment Washington
County of Colorado NRN discrimination is not
Denver, and retaliation listed as a
Department action under party to
of Parking Title VII of the this case.
and Civil Rights Act
Transportat of 1964 in which
ion Benjamin Juarez,
former Director
of Parking at
Denver
International
Airport,
alleging
retaliation and
national origin
discrimination.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
______
July 2021-Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Month Organization
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021 July Luminous Wind artwork dedication
2021 September Commission on the Future of Mobility, Sept. 21,
2021
2021 September Hispanic Contractors of Colorado, Sept. 22, 2021
2021 September Conference of Minority Transportation Officials
50th Anniversary Conference, Sept. 28, 2021
2021 September Urban Land Institute Colorado Multifamily Product
Council, Sept. 29, 2021
2021 September 2021 Mobility 21 Leadership in Equity Award
2021 October Phase 1 of the Great Hall project
2021 October DEN State of the Airport
2021 October Denver International Airport Safety Seminar, Oct.
1, 2021
2021 October HDR Transcon, Oct. 25, 2021
2021 October U.S. Travel Association Future of Travel Mobility
Conference, Oct. 26, 2021
2021 October DEN AIM DEVELOPMENT and BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
SERVICES, Oct. 27, 2021
2021 November Holder FCI NAACP Ten for DEN Event, Nov. 2, 2021
2021 November Aurora Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee
Breakfast, Nov. 3, 2021
2021 November Southwest Airlines 15th Anniversary/ Economic
Impact Event, Nov. 5, 2021
2021 December Caribou Coffee at DEN Grand Opening
2021 December Bessie Coleman Fly Girls and Boys Program DEN Visit
December 18th
2022 January Kabod Coffee at DEN Grand Opening
2022 January U.S. Conference of Mayors, Jan. 2022
2022 January Colorado Consular Corps, Jan. 25, 2022
2022 February WSP Presentation, Feb. 7, 2022
2022 February Move Colorado Presentation, Feb. 10, 2022
2022 February Holder-FCI--Ten 4 DEN--Heritage Christian Center
Event, Feb. 17, 2022
2022 March Airport Experience Conference, March 2, 2022
2022 March 2022 Silver Anniversary CU Real Estate Center
Annual Forum, March 9, 2022
2022 April American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Transit CEOs Seminar, April 9, 2022
2022 April Colorado Transportation Symposium, April 13, 2022
2022 May Grand opening of the C-East Gate Expansion area at
DEN
2022 May Equity in Infrastructure Pledge Signing, Mayor
Hancock
2022 May HNTB Corporation Think: Infrastructure Forum
Series, May 3, 2022
2022 May Hispanic Contractors of Colorado Legislative Policy
Committee, May 9, 2022
2022 May United Airlines/DEN United Management Association
Fireside Chat, May 10, 2022
2022 May Squire Patton Boggs Transportation Industry Group
Meeting, May 12, 2022
2022 May Aurora Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Recognition
Event, May 13, 2022
2022 May Eno Transportation--Transportation Senior
Executives Dinner, May 16, 2022
2022 May United for Infrastructure Summit, May 16, 2022
2022 May Innovative Infrastructure Initiative (I3), May 17,
2022
2022 May CityAge Executive Roundtable Discussion on
Infrastructure, May 18, 2022
2022 June United Airlines Flight Training Center (FTC)
Expansion Groundbreaking Event, June 1, 2022
2022 June American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Board of Directors, June 4, 2022
2022 June DEN Summer Intern Kickoff Welcome Remarks, June 6,
2022
2022 June Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Airport
Business Diversity Conference Airport Directors
2022 June Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Airport
Business Diversity Conference Architecture, Eng
2022 June National Association of Securities Professionals
33rd Annual Financial Services Conference, June 2
2022 June International Women's Forum of Colorado Reception,
June 30, 2022
2022 July Hensel Phelps Great Hall Project Completion Phase
Kickoff Meeting, July 12, 2022
2022 July Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)
Annual Conference, July 26, 2022
2022 August Grand opening of Mercantile Dining & Provision at
DEN
2022 August DEN Business Development Training Academy, Aug. 2
2022 August P3 Airport Summit--Fireside Chat
2022 August Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Aug. 4, 2022
2022 August Frontier Airlines Ground Loading Facility
Groundbreaking, Aug. 8, 2022
2022 August Transit Unplugged TV, Aug. 18, 2022
2022 August Access Denver, Aug. 23, 2022
2022 August American Contract Compliance Association National
Training Institute, Aug. 24, 2022
2022 August Regis University Executive Speaker Series Fireside
Chat, Aug. 30, 2022
2022 August Airports Council International, Airport Management
Professional Accreditation Program, Aug. 31,
2022 September Burns Society, University of Denver, Sep. 1, 2022
2022 September Denver Workforce Board, Sep. 9, 2022
2022 September Airport of the Year Award, Airline Pilots
Association, Sep. 15, 2022
2022 September DEN Business Development Training Academy
Graduation, Sep. 27, 2022
2022 October Move Colorado, Oct. 13, 2022
2022 October American Public Works Association (Colorado
Chapter), Oct. 24, 2022
2022 November Ed Dwight Dedication
2022 November Airport Consultants Council Annual Conference, Nov.
8, 2022
2022 November DEN Leadership Academy, Nov. 22, 2022
2022 November Center for Equity and Excellence in Aviation Design
Reveal, Nov. 28, 2022
2022 December Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce--State of DEN,
Dec. 8, 2022
2023 January US Conference of Mayors, Jan. 19, 2023
2023 February Anderson College of Business and Computing, Regis
University, Executive Speaker Series
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type Link
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaker https://www.facebook.com/denverinternationalairport/
videos/3399731378412
Virtual Panel
Discussion
Keynote Remarks Briefing/Talking Points: PW Hispanic Contractors of
Colorado 9.22.2021
Virtual Panel
Discussion
Keynote Remarks Presentation: PW ULI 09.29.2021V3
Award Acceptance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epVnpVb3U38
Remarks https://www.facebook.comdenverinternationalairport/
videos/5798255132559
Remarks https://www.yahoo.com/video/den-ceo-phil-washington-
provides-162415758.h
Keynote Remarks Briefing/Talking Points: PW DEN Safety Seminar
10.1.2021Final
Keynote Remarks Briefing/Talking Points: PW HDR TRANSCON2021
10.25.2021
Business Leader Briefing/Talking Points: PW Future of Travel
Panel Dis Mobility Conference 10.26.2021
Remarks
Keynote Remarks
Keynote Remarks
Remarks and Emcee Briefing/Talking Points: Phil Washington Southwest
Event 15th Anniversary Final
Remarks https://www.facebook.com/denverinternationalairport/
videos/2650708389437
Remarks
Remarks https://www.facebook.com/denverinternationalairport/
videos/3077722372555
Panel Discussion Briefing/Talking Points: PW U.S. Conference of
Mayors 01.20.2022
Keynote Remarks Presentation: PW Colorado Consular Corps 01.25.2022
Keynote Remarks Presentation: PW WSP Presentation 02.07.2022
Virtual Remarks Final Presentation: PW Move Colorado 02.10.2022
Keynote Remarks Presentation: PW Holder--FCI Presentation at
Heritage Christian Center 02.17.2
Panel Discussion Briefing/Talking Points: PW Airport Experience
Conference Directors Panel 03.02
Panel Discussion/ Briefing/Talking Points: PW CU Real Estate Board
Executiv 03.09.2022
Keynote Remarks Final Briefing/Talking Points: PW APTA Keynote
04.09.2022
Keynote Remarks Final Presentation: PW Colorado Transportation
Symposium Keynote Presentation 04
Remarks https://www.facebook.com/denverinternationalairport/
videos/5946029515135
Brief Remarks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC3Bnta5i-w
Panel Discussion Briefing/Talking Points: PW HNTB Think Forum
05.03.2022 Final
Keynote Remarks
Fireside Chat
Virtual Keynote Presentation: PW Squire Patton Boggs 05.12.2022
Presentat Final-3
Keynote Presentation: PW Aurora Chamber Armed Forces
Presentation Recognition Event 05.13.22
Keynote
Presentation
Panel Discussion Breifing/Talking Points: PW United for
Infrastructure Summit 05.16.2022 Final
Panel Discussion Briefing/Talking Points: PW Delivering
Transformative Infrastructure with the IIJA
Panel Discussion Briefing/Talking Points: PW CityAge Executive
Roundtable 05.18.2022 Final
Brief Remarks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF27TADQuDo
Keynote Presentation: PW APTA Board Meeting Presentation
Presentation 06.04.2022
Welcome Remarks Briefing/Talking Points: PW DEN Summer Intern
Kickoff Meeting 06.06.2022
Panel Discussion Briefing/Talking Points: PW ALPA Safety Forum 2020
Best Airport Award 09.15.2
Panel Discussion Briefing/Talking Points: PW AMAC Architecture
Engineering Construction Panel
Panel Discussion Breifing/Talking Points: PW NASP 06.27.2022
Keynote Remarks Breifing/Talking Points: PW International Womens
Forum of Colorado Event 06.3
Keynote Remarks Breifing/Talking Points: PW Hensel Phelps Great Hall
Completion Phase Kickoff 0
Keynote Panel Briefing/Talking Points: PW SCUP Annual Conference
Discussion 07.26.2022
Remarks https://www.facebook.com/denverinternationalairport/
videos/8444314115582
Opening Remarks Briefing/Talking Points: PW Business Development
Training Academy Inaugural C
Discussion Briefing/Talking Points: PW P3 Airport Summit
08.11.2022
Panel Discussion
Brief Remarks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AervM7Ny5ak
Podcast Interview Briefing/Talking Points: PW Transit Unplugged
Interview 08.17.2022
Keynote Remarks Briefing/Talking Points: PW Access Denver
Presentation 08.23.2022
Panel Discussion
Virtual Keynote https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzbfVxIR7Cg
Remarks
Keynote Remarks Presentation: PW AMPAP Presentation on Vision 100
08.33.22
Keynote Remarks Briefing/Talking Points: PW Burns Society
Presentation 09.01.2022 Final
Keynote Presentation: PW Denver Workforce Development Board
Presentation Presentation 09.09.20
Brief Remarks Briefing/Talking Points: PW ALPA Safety Forum 2020
Best Airport Award 09.15.2
Brief Remarks Briefing/Talking Points: PW Business Development
Training Academy Inaugural C
Keynote
Presentation
Keynote Remarks Presentation: PW APWA Colorado Annual Conference
10.24.2022 Final
Remarks https://www.facebook.com/denverinternationalairport/
videos/4086642848007
Panel Discussion
Brief Remarks Briefing/Talking Points: 2022.11.22.LeadershipDEN--
TalkingPoints--PAW
Brief Remarks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_RSvbaLFkk;
https://www.facebook.com/
Keynote
Presentation
Panel Discussion Breifing/Talking Points: PW US Conference of Mayors
91st Winter Meetings
Keynote Remarks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzbfVxIR7Cg
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P3 Airport Summit--Fireside Chat
Event Briefing Sheet
(For Internal Use Only)
LOGISTICS:
Date: Thursday, August 11, 2022
Time: 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. PST [arrive @ 12:30 p.m. to
chat with Dale Bonner]
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego--Harbor
Ballroom ABC 1 Market Pl., San Diego, CA
92101
Event Contact:
Staff Contact:
EVENT DETAILS:
You have agreed to participate in a 30-minute ``fireside chat''
with Dale Bonner, Executive Chairman of Plenary Concessions Americas.
Organizers hope you will share information about three topics: your
infrastructure career, the Equity in Infrastructure Project and DEN's
Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (as an example of a
proactive program an airport is accomplishing). To help you organize
your thoughts prior to the conversation with Mr. Bonner, we have
prepared some background information on these general topics. You will
find that information below beginning on page 4.
You are asked to arrive about 12:30 p.m. at the Harbor Ballroom ABC
to reacquaint yourself with Mr. Bonner and the be set up with lapel
microphones. At about 1:10 p.m. you and Mr. Bonner will be escorted to
the stage where there will be chairs set up for the fireside chat. Lisa
Buglione, Executive Director of the Association for the Improvement of
American Infrastructure, will introduce you and Mr. Bonner and the
fireside chat will begin. At 1:45 p.m., the chat will end, and the room
will be set for the next event which will be a panel discussion about
the Equity in Infrastructure Project. Your fireside chat will not be
recorded.
ADDITIONAL MEETINGS:
You have also agreed to participate in two follow-on, casual
meetings to further discuss the Equity in Infrastructure Program.
From 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., you will meet with representatives
from the Association for the Improvement of American
Infrastructure in the Pier room.
From 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., you will meet with interested
individuals from the public sector in Harbor Room G.
ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE:
The P3 Airport Summit is an annual gathering of a wide range of
professionals dedicated to the use of public-private partnerships in
constructing airport facilities. At this year's conference, you will
find project owners and developers considering their next procurement,
responsible for the design and build of airport facilities, and
interested in understanding how different delivery models can address
their project needs. Speakers include owners, operators, airlines, and
development leaders who have helped shape policy and navigated
partnerships from concept to completion. Also, you'll meet investors,
policy makers, financiers, design-build professionals, and public
representatives who are exploring partnerships and want to better
understand the complex interactions to accelerate project delivery
needs.
YOUR FIRESIDE CHAT PARTNER:
Dale Bonner is Executive Chairman of Plenary Concessions Americas.
From 2007 to 2011, he served as California's Secretary of Business,
Transportation and Housing and managed California's transportation
infrastructure, business regulation, trade and foreign investment
programs. Prior to serving as secretary, Bonner had a national law
practice and regulated the managed healthcare and financial services
industries as California's Commissioner of Corporations. He currently
serves on the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners--the five-
member body that oversees the Los Angeles Police Department. Mr. Bonner
is a 1990 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and a 1987
graduate of the University of Southern California, where he majored in
political science.
EVENT AGENDA: Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022 [all times shown as PST]
8:30-9:00 a.m. Summit Opening Welcome and Remarks--What's New
in 2022? Update on Industry Trends (Harbor
Ballroom ABC)
9:00-9:45 a.m. Opening Plenary: Safety & Security--Addressing
Emerging Airport Risk from Cyber Security to
Physical and Asset Safety (Harbor Ballroom
ABC)
9:45-10:30 a.m. Morning Plenary: Safety, Security and Now
Sustainability: How U.S. Airports Are Getting
Creative to Achieve Net Zero by 2045 (Harbor
Ballroom ABC)
10:30-11 a.m. Morning Networking & Coffee Break (Expo Hall)
11 a.m.--Noon Concurrent Sessions
1:15-1:45 p.m. Afternoon Fireside Chat: Phillip Washington,
CEO, Denver International Airport (Harbor
Ballroom ABC)
1:45-2:45 p.m. Afternoon Plenary: Equity and Infrastructure
(Harbor Ballroom ABC)
2:45-3:15 p.m. Conversation with Andrew Levy, CEO, Avelo
Airlines (Harbor Ballroom ABC) 3:15--3:30
p.m. Networking & Coffee Break (Expo Hall)
3:30-5:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
4:30-5:15 P.M. Phill Washington meets with AIAI about EIP in
the Pier room
5:30-6 p.m. Phil Washington meets with public sector about
EIP in Harbor Room G 5:30--7:00 p.m. Opening
Night Networking Reception (Expo Hall)
______
QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTED SPEAKING POINTS:
Context: The U.S. has roughly 2800 general aviation airports, and
just over 500 commercial airports in the National Plan of Integrated
Airports. This Summit is about the infrastructure that supports our
vast aviation system. Some estimate needs will exceed resources by more
than $100 billion over the next 10 years. In this brief chat, we'll
look at some of the challenges and opportunities with Phil Washington,
CEO of Denver International Airport, the Nation's 3rd busiest airport
by passenger volume.
Career Highlights and DEN
1. What drives your long-standing interest in transportation and
infrastructure?
a. Transportation and infrastructure should be great equalizers in
our society, providing opportunities of movement and breaking
down barriers to build generational wealth
b. But too often infrastructure becomes a wall of separation and
transportation is too often a mechanism that prevents access to
wealth
c. I grew up on the South Side of Chicago, Altgeld Gardens. My
neighborhood was separated from the rest of the city by roads,
railroads and dumps.
d. You don't think that had a psychic impact on the residents forced
to live there?
e. I had to fight to escape the gravity of the situation. With a
powerful mother's help, I went on to a 24-plus-year career in
the military and second careers leading transportation
organizations.
f. I'm so passionate about transportation and infrastructure because
I can see a pathway to generational wealth that is facilitated
by infrastructure and supported by transportation.
2. What grade would you give DEN infrastructure and why?
a. DEN's grade is ``incomplete.''
b. Just 27 years ago, Denver International Airport was America's
next big thing. It was beautiful and ready to serve up to 50
million annual passengers.
c. But in many ways, DEN is a victim of its own success.
d. With the exception of the impacts of COVID in 2020, we have
surpassed 50 million annual passengers every year since 2008
i. That's 13 of the last 14 years that we've exceeded the
airport's capacity
ii. This year, we may surpass 70 million passengers and we'll
surely top 100 million annual passengers within 10 years
e. We're ``incomplete'' because we aren't ready to effectively serve
the expected future passengers
i. We don't have enough gates
ii. TSA's security queue throughput is insufficient
iii. We must make improvements to the infrastructure that we
have
iv. We need to prepare our workforce
v. We must improve across the board if we're to match the ever-
increasing demand for our services
e. This is why we developed Vision 100--our strategy to bring DEN up
to the challenge of 100 MAP
3. Some estimate needs will exceed resources by more than $100 billion
over the next 10 years. What is the outlook at DEN?
a. DEN has a lot going for it!
b. For one thing, we have the room to grow.
c. We have six runways--and are currently doing the environmental
work required to add a seventh. And beyond that, if needed, we
can grow to 12 runways.
d. Building runways is expensive but DEN isn't landlocked like some
of our brother and sister airports. That makes it much less
expensive for DEN to grow.
e. DEN's progressive vision--as described in Vision 100--creates
alignment with our Federal partners and airline partners.
People want to do business with DEN because we're doing
business the right way.
i. Guiding principles include: equity, diversity, inclusion and
accessibility
ii. We want to be the greenest airport in the world
f. We're working hard to bring our facilities and programs up so
that we can successfully serve increasing numbers of passengers
i. We're working on a three-phased plan to improve our iconic,
tented Jeppesen Terminal
ii. By the end of the year we will have added 39 new gates as
part of our Gate Expansion Program. Oh, and we're also
adding new restrooms, concessions and passenger conveyances
to improve the customer experience.
iii. We've embarked on a process to improve our maintenance
program. We don't have the resources to replace everything,
we have to maintain that which we have.
4. How will DEN and other airports benefit from the new Federal
infrastructure bill?
a The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill is a generational
opportunity for airports and other organizations to benefit
from a tremendous infusion of Federal dollars.
b. The Biden Administration outlined the Justice 40 Initiative which
is a promise to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall
benefits from Federal investment to disadvantaged communities.
In addition, President Biden signed an executive order in June
2021 to increase the share of diverse firms fulfilling the
infrastructure contracts.
c. I would recommend airport seriously consider how they can reflect
these policy directions in their contracting and project
planning.
d. DEN is benefitting from its efforts to align with the
administration's policies and was recently awarded the single
largest FAA grant from the infrastructure bill.
ii. $60 million to replace aging infrastructure, especially the
baggage handling system
Equity and Inclusion
1. What steps can we take to ensure that current and future investments
are made on an equitable basis?
a. Organizations and leaders need to decide to make the needed
changes and make a difference.
b. Wherever I've served I've used the leverage of my authority and
the leverage of my organization's stature to insist upon
equitable changes
c. We should expect our Federal leaders to make necessary changes
but we don't have to wait for them to act. We can do much good
on our own. That is a basic principle of the Equity in
Infrastructure Project.
2. You recently co-founded the ``Equity in Infrastructure Project.''
What is ``the Pledge'' and how does it work?
a. You will learn more about the Equity in Infrastructure Project in
the next session, but let me give you a brief overview
b. EIP exists to improve public contracting practices by creating
more opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses
(HUBs)
c. It will help build generational wealth and reduce the racial
wealth gap by creating more prime, joint venture and equity
contracting opportunities for these HUBs
d. I co-founded the EIP in early 2021 with John D. Porcari, former
Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation
e. Initially, five First Mover agencies joined to help shape the
Pledge, identify initial projects of interest, and prove the
concept
i. Chicago Transit Authority--Dorval R. Carter, Jr., President
ii. Denver International Airport--Phillip A. Washington, CEO
iii. Port of Long Beach--Mario Cordero, Executive Director
iv. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California--Adel H.
Hagekhalil, General Manager
v. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA)--Leslie
S. Richards, General Manager and CEO
f. EIP Pledge: Starting from the baseline of their current actions
and initiatives, by December 2025
i. Pledge signers will work to increase the number, size and
percentage of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs)
growing to prime contractors, participating in joint
ventures or as equity participant
ii. They will work toward this effort by:
1. Increasing the number, size and
proportion of contracting
opportunities going to HUBs;
2. Increasing the number, size and
proportion of contracting
opportunities going to HUBs as prime
contractors;
3. Streamlining the administration of
contracting with HUBs to centralize
certification, improve payment time,
and standardize transparent data
collection;
4. Increasing the amount and type of
appropriate financing available to
HUBs aiming to meet infrastructure
contracts by working with private and
public partners; and
5. Expanding the number of signatories to
this Pledge.
3. With roughly 35,000 employees, DIA is the largest employer in
Colorado. You recently established the Center of Equity and
Excellence in Aviation. What are the goals of this new Center,
and how will it help current and future workers from
underserved communities prepare for careers in aviation?
a. The Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) is a
first-of-its kind creation that is designed to help both our
current and future workforces, especially young people of color
and underserved communities
b. On Jan. 10, 2022, the Denver City Council approved the budget to
create a Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation as part of
the Great Hall Completion phase
c. Will be constructed on Level 4 of the Westin Denver International
Airport, just steps from the commuter rail and the Jeppesen
Terminal
d. The Center will engage, educate, empower, motivate, and provide
opportunities for students who are under-represented and young
people who are interested in and passionate about careers in
aviation
e. The Center has three primary functions:
i. Deliver business and workforce development opportunities,
which includes a training academy for small businesses
ii. Offer Career Pathways attract and retain an aviation talent
pipeline--which starts with student and youth programs all
the way to executive leadership development
iii. Host research and innovation efforts, enabling industry
best practice development, fostering aviation technology
innovation and establishing partnerships with local
universities
f. It will help build a future skilled workforce and become a focal
point for aviation knowledge and best practices
i. Just kicked off the first cohort of 30 businesses to attend
our Business Development Training Academy
ii. The training academy was developed by contractors who've
given feedback about their partnerships working with DEN
and the potential for stronger outcomes with better
preparation
iii. It will help coach underutilized businesses to scale up and
be successful in their pursuits to work with DEN
g. Career Pathways
i. The Career Pathways focus begins with educational and
empowerment programs for students in elementary through
high school, which are designed to spark interest in the
aviation industry
ii. There are also programs for employees and leaders to help
cultivate an environment for employees to excel and become
equipped in technical and professional skills
h. Research and Innovation Lab
i. The Research and Innovation Lab seeks to identify best
practices in the aviation industry through research an
innovation. It will serve as an incubator for new business
ideas and offer ``maker space'' for students and youth to
engage and learn (like the one at the Denver Public Library
and other innovation style tech labs)
i. It takes a lot of stakeholders to make CEEA a success and to keep
it achieving its intended goals
i. A combination of elected officials and industry agencies,
partnerships in the community, DEN employees and leaders,
as well as many other city departments are actively engaged
to help us build and bring forth equity, diversity and
inclusion in every facet of CEEA
Words of Advice
What advice would you have for someone who is in the early stages of
their career with aspirations to be a national leader in
infrastructure?
Become excellent at what you do. Without excellence you
can't gain traction in your career. My career is built on
nearly 25 years of work in the U.S. Army. That's 9,125 days of
getting up and doing my job. You want to know how I know I did
good work? Because I lasted nearly 25 years. The Army has a way
of getting rid of surplus soldiers. It's called a discharge.
Don't be afraid to make changes. What was I qualified to do
after 25 years in the U.S. Army? I knew how to lead teams. I
transferred those skills to an opportunity with Denver's RTD.
But even then, I didn't rise to CEO immediately. I worked as an
Assistant General Manager for nine years before I was ready to
become CEO.
Look for ways to give back. For me, my passion is helping
young people achieve greatness in their lives. Nothing is as
fulfilling as preparing a young person to take over for you.
When the days drag, it's this deeper meaning that keeps me
moving.
Background Information
Phil Washington's Infrastructure Career:
In July 2000, accepted a job as Assistant General Manager at
RTD in Denver
Retired from the U.S. Army as Command Sergeant Major--
the highest non-commissioned military rank possible
As RTD Assistant General Manager:
Given oversight of $620 million budget, including $400
million operating fund and $200 million capital fund
Implemented $7.8 billion, 12-year FasTracks expansion
In May 2009, was named RTD CEO
Led FasTracks build-out of 122 miles of new commuter
and light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service,
redevelopment of historic Union Station Transit Terminal
complex (five months ahead of schedule)
Led first-of-its-kind $2.2 billion transit P3 that
opened in April 2016 on time and under budget
In March 2015, was named CEO of the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro)
Led effort for half-cent sales tax ballot measure that
passed with a 71.2 percent approval--will generate $120
billion in the first 40 years and build 40 major
transportation projects
Led nation's largest effort to electrify ground fleet
and facilities
Created a new Transit-Oriented Community Development
Program/land policy that aims to determine how transit
development can be community-focused with minimal
displacement of community residents in urban areas, most of
whom are low income
Developed and implemented an Equity Framework that
requires the organization to apply equity measures to all
programs and initiatives, including planning and
construction
In July 2021, was named CEO of Denver International Airport
Created Vision 100 strategy to help the airport
prepare for the inevitable growth to 100 million annual
passengers
Led effort to create first-of-its-kind Center of
Equity and Excellence in Aviation that concentrates on
young people in communities of color and underserved
communities
Led efforts to develop the Great Hall Completion, the
final phase of the Great Hall Project
Was co-founder of the Equity and Infrastructure
Project
Led effort to revamp the asset management system
concentrating on predictive asset management versus age-
based systems
The Chair. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Washington. I am, you
know, convinced that as somebody who runs the third largest
airport, that the issues of the FAA that deal with air traffic
controllers, deal with NextGen systems, deal with the
integration of new entrants, that you have a very good grasp of
those issues. You have to if you are running a large
organization like the airport every day.
And my sense is your history of being a manager of large
organizations, you know, with thousands of employees also gives
you a very good sense of some of the challenges of moving a big
bureaucracy to address the technology issues of today. That is
clearly any organization's challenge today, is how do you adapt
to innovation and new technology.
But I do want to get you on the record as it relates to the
aviation safety bill that I mentioned, that Senator Wicker and
I passed out of committee after response to the MAX accidents
and the fact that we feel that industry and FAA got too cozy,
that they moved away from the delegated engineering
representative model in which the FAA was really in charge and
somehow confused the people on the ground as to the level of
oversight that was required.
Our reforms made sure that those employees who are doing
the certification work were directly hired, that they were able
to communicate directly with the FAA, and that they were able
to be removed from the FAA.
So, I want to know, first and foremost, do you support that
focus, and will you continue to fight to implement the
oversight of an aggressive FAA and holding manufacturers
accountable for their work in engineering?
Mr. Washington. Senator, thank you for the question.
Absolutely, yes. I think Administrator Dickson and Acting
Administrator Nolan have done a great job of sort of foot
stomping that we are the regulator. I will continue that. I
will also continue the implementation of the reformat and look
to accelerate the outstanding things that have not been
completed. So absolutely, yes.
The Chair. One of the things that isn't completed, and I
think we may end up having Mr. Nolan back here to talk about
this is, just because we want to continue to make progress and
he is the safety lead, is that the legislation also called for
integrated project leadership between NASA, the Air Force, and
the FAA in making sure that novel certification, you know,
technology that is just emerging is not lost on anybody,
particularly the NTSB and some of the international
organizations, that the implementation of new technology and
human factors is something that we should be paying more
attention to.
So, what will you do to make sure that this particular
mission, this, what some of us call graybeards, that the FAA is
populated with the right technical aviation expertise, that
that counter referencing between NASA and Air Force and others
are implemented so that we really do have the best and
brightest technology leads as we are going through the
certification process?
Mr. Washington. Well, again, thank you for the question,
Senator. I know the FAA has been doing a number of things
around recruiting and around making sure that compensation is
adequate to bring folks in. I will continue that. I will, you
know, my track record of standing up various training
facilities and various training programs will allow me to
attract great talent into the FAA.
I think it is also important for us to go to every corner
of this country looking for talent. At the Denver International
Airport, the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation, we
are doing just that. And my plan would be to scale that up, to
look for the best talent in this country, to bring into FAA.
The Chair. And what are your ideas for how to get that
done? Given that we do have real FAA critical expertise, what
are your ideas on how to change this?
Mr. Washington. Well, a couple of things. I was--we were
talking about my military career. There is something called the
Transition Assistance Program in terms of the military. I am
well familiar with those.
These are programs that help soldiers get out of the
military. I think that is an incredible source and a resource
for great talent. I am tied into those transition assistance
programs or TAP programs. I would start there. I would start in
our colleges. I would start in our HBCU. I would start in
places around the country to show people a career pathway.
It is one thing to tell a young person, get into the
aviation industry. It is quite another thing to show them what
that means and show them sort of the cradle to executive
leadership pathway. And that is what we have designed in my
years in transportation.
The Chair. Well, this is going to be one of the very
biggest challenges at the FAA, is getting the right talent and
getting them there very quickly. Senator Cruz.
Senator Cruz. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Washington, you
have emphasized your time as CEO of the Denver Airport, 20
months. Have you ever flown a plane?
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator. No, I
have never flown a plane.
Senator Cruz. So, you weren't a military pilot or a
commercial airline pilot?
Mr. Washington. No, Senator.
Senator Cruz. Have you ever worked for an airline?
Mr. Washington. No, Senator.
Senator Cruz. Have you ever worked as an air traffic
controller?
Mr. Washington. No, Senator.
Senator Cruz. You ever worked for a company that
manufactures airplanes?
Mr. Washington. No, Senator.
Senator Cruz. You ever worked for a company that fixes
airplanes?
Mr. Washington. No, Senator.
Senator Cruz. So, for 20 months, you have been in charge of
the Denver airport. You are in charge of the airport's
buildings, correct?
Mr. Washington. I am in charge of everything that goes on
at that airport.
Senator Cruz. OK. Well, I am not sure that's exactly right.
You are in charge of parking at the airport, is that correct?
How many parking spaces are there at the Denver airport?
Mr. Washington. Thousands.
Senator Cruz. OK. You are in charge of all the shops and
restaurants in the airport. How many restaurants are there in
the Denver airport?
Mr. Washington. We have anywhere from 150 to 200 or so.
Senator Cruz. You are in charge of coffee shops and
clothing stores and newsstands. You are not in charge of the
pilots, are you?
Mr. Washington. No, Senator.
Senator Cruz. You are not in charge of the airplane
mechanics, are you?
Mr. Washington. No, Senator.
Senator Cruz. You are not in charge of the air traffic
controllers, are you?
Mr. Washington. No, Senator.
Senator Cruz. You know, I look at prior FAA
Administrators--you and I talked a couple of days ago. I
respect your military service. I look at prior FAA
Administrators, current Acting FAA Administrator, Billy Nolan,
was a commercial airline pilot.
He worked at multiple airlines and management roles. He has
certificates in aviation safety from three different
institutions, from the U.S. Army, Safety Center, and the U.S.
Naval Postgraduate School. That is under President Biden.
Administrator Steve Dickson under both Biden and Trump was
an Air Force fighter pilot, commercial airline pilot, and
executive at Delta Airlines. 40 years of aviation experience.
Acting Administrator Daniel Elwell was an Air Force combat
pilot, a commercial airline pilot, a senior official, and an
aviation industry executive.
Administrator Randy Babbitt was a commercial airline pilot
for 25 years and served as the President of a labor union for
pilots. Those are all people who know something about aviation
and safety.
As I look at your record, I see a record where you have got
experience with busses, you have got experience with trains.
Busses and trains are very different from planes. My
understanding is this Administration previously considered you
for the board of Amtrak.
That could well have been a position you were qualified
for, and you might well have received bipartisan support to
serve in that role.
You know, a lot of discussion, quite rightly, has focused
on the horrific crashes of the 737 MAX that took 346 souls from
us. Let me ask you, Mr. Washington, what is an angle of attack
sensor?
Mr. Washington. The angle of attack sensor is a sensor that
is on the front of the plane that controls the tilt and the
altitude of the plane.
Senator Cruz. And how many of them are there on a 737 MAX?
Mr. Washington. I believe two.
Senator Cruz. And what systems are there, if there are
contradictory signals from the angle of attack sensor?
Mr. Washington. What systems are there?
Senator Cruz. Yes.
Mr. Washington. I would say the MCAS system, if I am not
mistaken.
Senator Cruz. OK. The MCAS system is responsible for the
crashes at issue. What happens when you get a different rating
from two different sensors?
Mr. Washington. Can you repeat that question, Senator?
Senator Cruz. What happens when you get a different reading
from two different angle of attack sensors?
Mr. Washington. Well, I think human reaction needs to take
over if that occurs.
Senator Cruz. So why did that not happen on the Lion Air
and Ethiopian air flights?
Mr. Washington. Well, Senator, I am not a pilot. I don't
know if I can answer that particular question. But----
Senator Cruz. Mr. Washington, I believe you, but at the end
of the day, that is the fundamental problem. For this
Administration to nominate someone as FAA Administrator who
can't answer the question, why were 346 people killed in
horrific crashes that resulted in the 737 MAX being grounded
for a long time is striking?
By the way, Administrator Dickson, after the FAA
recertified the 737 MAX, he went and flew it personally.
Listen, let me be clear, and you and I talked about this, FAA
Administrator is a specialized position. I am not qualified to
be FAA Administrator.
I have no idea how to fly a plane. No one in their right
mind would put me in charge of aviation safety because I don't
have that experience. I suspect most of the members of this
committee are in a similar position.
The American people, when they think about aviation safety,
when they think about--I played in this committee a Southwest
Airlines and FedEx plane almost colliding at Austin's airport.
They want an FAA Administrator who knows why those planes crash
and knows how to fix it to keep them safe.
And with all respect, Mr. Washington, it gives no comfort
to the flying public that their pilot might be a transgendered
witch but doesn't actually know how to prevent the plane from
crashing into the ground and killing them.
I believe your record is woefully lacking, and in fact, you
have zero aviation safety experience, and I don't believe you
will have the votes for confirmation, as you and I visited
about earlier this week.
The Chair. Senator Hickenlooper.
Senator Hickenlooper. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr.
Washington, I am going to switch the conversation. And just for
the record, in my 20 years of knowing Phil Washington and
working with him, he has a greater focus on safety in every one
of his roles and anyone I have seen in comparable roles.
And it is something that is instinctual within him, that it
then creates a culture around safety. I want to talk a little
bit about rural air service. Now, rural communities depend on
regional air service to grow their economies and stay connected
to the national air network. And most of the country, we have a
network of these rural airports.
The DOT and the FAA each have a role to ensure that airline
operators maintain air service in rural areas across the
country. In Colorado, this would be to communities like Pueblo
in Alamosa, Grand Junction, Cortez, I could go down a long
list.
Mr. Washington, can you discuss the importance of rural
communities maintaining access to reliable air service, and if
confirmed, will you commit to maintaining and expanding service
to rural communities?
Mr. Washington. Yes. Thank you for the question, Senator. I
definitely commit to working with rural airports. They serve a
vital--a vitally important mode of mobility, if you will, for
folks that live in those rural areas.
And so, we at Denver International Airport actually deal
with and provide assistance where we can with rural airports in
the State of Colorado. So, we would, I would continue that as
the Administrator as well.
There are special things and special arrangements around
construction and getting grant funding out to those rural,
especially cold area airports, so they can build during the
seasons where it is good for them to build.
So, to answer your question, absolutely, I would provide
assistance there.
Senator Hickenlooper. I appreciate that. I would also like
to posit, to present the challenge that the problems facing FAA
are those of managing a large, complex organization, the type
of organization you made a career out of running successfully,
both as a Command Sergeant Major, and at RTD of L.A. Metro, and
DIA.
I think if we were to ask pretty much anyone who traveled
in the last year if they want another person from the airline
industry in charge of FAA, they would probably say they didn't.
I don't think the airlines should be regulating themselves.
The NOTAM system failure, the Southwest meltdown, extended
delays and cancellations, near-misses on runways are all
management and policy issues. Being a good pilot is not going
to help you or anyone be the FAA Administrator that this
country needs, that can solve these issues.
Being able to manage a large, complex organization is. Why
don't you talk just for a moment about the complexity of DIA
and how you synthesize 35,000 employees, and make sure that the
right people are in charge, and then hold them accountable.
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator. First
of all, safety is the number one priority. We know that that
is--I know that that is my top priority. I lean on a long
record of leadership and management and oversight of billion-
dollar projects and people.
And so, I think that one of the first things I think about
is creating a vision for the organization. I think about
creating a vision for the FAA. I think about breaking down
stovepipes. I think about providing professional development
for the employees.
And I have to say, I had someone ask me, you know, why do
you provide all of this professional development for folks and
then they might leave. And my response was, suppose I don't
provide it and they stay. That becomes a real issue.
So, I think, you know, the way I handle the 35,000 is to
tell them what they can expect from me. When I walk into a job,
that is one of the first things I do. And then I also tell them
what I expect from them.
And so, providing that vision, being visible, telling folks
what you expect and what you expect from them is the start of
providing a very, very good culture within the organization. A
culture of ownership, I call it.
Senator Hickenlooper. Right. And I think I will leave to
the Committee with this observation that when Phil came on
board at DIA, we were in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Air travel was dramatically rebounding at the same time that
the gate expansion was going full tilt. And I think two points.
One, is that he was able to maintain the operational
efficiencies at the airport in those challenging times. But
almost more importantly, he took a massive construction project
that was behind schedule and over budget and sorted it out in
record time.
If you look at the investments that this country is going
to make in air transportation, having someone who has repeated
examples of coming in difficult construction projects, having
that person holding accountable the entire investment we are
making in transportation is, I think, the right direction for
FAA.
The Chair. Senator Wicker. Thank you.
STATEMENT OF HON. ROGER WICKER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSISSIPPI
Senator Wicker. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. And Mr.
Washington, Sergeant Major Washington, thank you for being
here. I have a great deal of respect for your service with the
United States Military. And I say that as a veteran who didn't
do anything, nearly what you were able to do as a Command
Sergeant Major. You were nominated in July 2022, is that
correct?
Mr. Washington. Yes, Senator.
Senator Wicker. And Sergeant Major, I think it is fair to
say that you would already be in office, you would already be
confirmed if there had not been serious bipartisan questions
about your qualifications and your fitness for office.
And it gives me no great pleasure to say that. This is--I
have been chairman of this committee, I have been ranking
member of this committee, and I have been on it for a long
time. This is--what is going on with your nomination is not my
idea of a good time. But it is a responsibility that I think we
have.
At the time of your nomination, you had this CEO position
at Denver for about a year. Safety is the top priority of the
FAA, and I think really on both ends of the dais, there have
been serious questions about your expertise in that area, and
that has been pointed out at some of the questions.
On your resume at Denver, you cite specifically success in
construction, a renovation program in facilities, and the
implementation of a career pathway. Again, I don't think that
qualifies you for this position, and in particular with what
has been going on the last few months with regard to these near
misses. It is very, very troubling.
There is something, though, that Senator Cruz said that I
am not sure I agree with. He said you might have been confirmed
for the Amtrak board, had you been nominated for that. And that
may be true, but we would still have had to get better answers
to these questions about investigations and about allegations
that are still out there about public corruption.
You have been involved in multiple corruption
investigations, accused of retaliating against a whistleblower
that exposed this corruption. The investigation relates to
involvement with a series of no-bid contracts awarded by L.A.
Metro to a nonprofit to operate a sexual harassment hotline.
The investigation found that the hotline cost the taxpayers
more than $8,000 per call. Most of these calls were misdials or
spam. The nonprofit who awarded the contract was a close friend
and campaign donor of an L.A. County supervisor.
The investigation is still pending and has been taken over
just recently by the California Attorney General. And in
addition, you have been accused of discriminating and
retaliating against the whistleblower who received a $625,000
settlement.
I am not sure for any position, with those being
unresolved, that you would have been confirmed. And again,
this--it gives me no pleasure to say this. Just days ago, a
lawsuit was filed by the Denver International Airport's former
Senior Vice President of Parking, Benjamin Juarez, who left his
post last year.
The lawsuit alleges discriminatory pay and personnel
practices at the airport. Again, you--there was this matter
that Senator Cruz mentioned about the search warrant, including
accusations of misconduct, and in seeking a record of your
communications, and this has not yet been resolved.
As we meet today, the California Attorney General's Office
is still conducting this public corruption investigation. We
need--we need a very, very qualified person in charge of the
FAA immediately, and for the life of me, I do not understand
why the President persists with this nomination based on so
many questions from the corruption aspect and also the
qualification aspect.
And for that reason, I do think the bipartisan opposition
will continue, sir. Thank you, Madam Chair.
The Chair. Senator Schatz.
STATEMENT OF HON. BRIAN SCHATZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM HAWAII
Senator Schatz. Thank you, Chair Cantwell. The FAA has been
without a permanent Administrator for nearly a year, and this
is a hatchet job. Instead of moving quickly to confirm the
President's nominee, Republicans and their allies have tried to
delay Mr. Washington's confirmation by attacking him, throwing
everything they have to try and stop a qualified nominee, and
in doing so, they are smearing a long-time public servant and
Army veteran.
Mr. Washington has decades of experience overseeing large,
complex transportation organizations. He runs the Denver
International Airport, the world's third busiest airport. He
ran L.A. Metro, one of the largest transportation systems in
the world.
And he honorably served his country for 24 years, serving
in the U.S. Army Tank Command before earning the rank of
Command Sergeant Major, the highest noncommissioned officer
rank an enlisted soldier can achieve.
But he is facing a smear campaign. The people opposing his
nomination are trying to desperately turn every aspect of his
career into a scandal. Anyone who has been in leadership gets
sued. I think I was sued like 2 months ago, and they named
every member of the Congressional delegation.
Every member--I think it was every member of the
Legislature. Someone actually threw the summons over my fence
and said, you have got served. I didn't know that was the thing
they said. And I went back to my staff, many of whom are
lawyers, and they said, what is this? And they said, well, they
named the Governor.
They named--this is similar. This is 17 individual
defendants, the entire Board of Directors, and the U.S.
Secretary of Labor. That is not a serious lawsuit and should be
called out for what it is. It is nonsense. It is immaterial to
these proceedings, and it is just a pretext for opposing the
nominee's confirmation to this critical agency, because, again,
Mr. Washington is well qualified for the job.
During his time as CEO of DIA, the airport has seen a
nearly 20 percent increase in passengers, substantially
contributed to by my arrivals from HNL, DEN and every Monday.
And before becoming CEO there, he spent 6 years as CEO of L.A.
Metro running the transportation system in our country's
largest metro area.
Before that, he spent 6 years as CEO of the Denver Regional
Transportation District, overseeing a system that serves nearly
50 million riders annually. Mr. Washington is a skilled and
dedicated public Administrator, with an extensive record
showing that he knows transportation.
And ignoring this to punish him over fake scandals is
absurd. Mr. Washington is exactly the kind of person that we
should want in public service. He has the experience needed to
lead the FAA and is ready to step into this role.
So, my question for you, Mr. Washington, is can you tell me
how your experience at DIA is going to enable you to be a good
FAA Administrator?
Mr. Washington. Well, thank you for the question, Senator.
I think Denver International Airport is, of course, the third
largest. Safety is number one at all of our airports and it
will be for me at FAA.
In running Denver International Airport, someone asked me
the other day, well, what do you do when you first get up in
the morning as the CEO of Denver International Airport? And I
talked about reading my SITREP, if you will. And a SITREP is
what is going on right then at that airport, and it is always
around safety.
And so, it is around also TSA wait times, it is around FAA
arrival times. It is everything about that airport. We do those
three times a day. And so, I believe that what I am doing now
and what I have done for the last 40 years to include my
military career is directly transferable in terms of especially
leadership.
Leadership is a real thing. It is a real skill. Motivating
people, inspiring people, getting people to do what they
otherwise may not do is a real skill. And I think when we talk
about the FAA, we are talking about a different kind of
organization that needs a different skill set to run it now in
this day and time. And I think I bring that to the table.
Senator Schatz. Thank you very much.
The Chairman. Senator Moran.
STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY MORAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM KANSAS
Senator Moran. Chairwoman, thank you. Mr. Washington, thank
you for your presence here today. I represent a state in which
aviation is hugely important. One of the most significant
components of how Kansans earn a living. We are known as the
air capital of the world.
We manufacture general aviation, commercial aircraft,
defense. We have many companies that are involved in air safety
and navigation aids. And certainly, the FAA and its
Administrator is among the most important Federal agencies and
individuals that have a consequence to my constituents, and to
the country in this case.
I am often thought of as a Senator who worries and cares
about and works on behalf of aviation because of that
manufacturing base, and that is certainly a component. But I
represent a state in which air travel, Kansans who fly and
Kansans who fly from Kansas airports, matter greatly to me.
And so, I recognize the value and importance of an airport,
large and small. Yesterday, Kansas City celebrated the opening
of its new airport. We are excited about that. Wichita has a
new airport, Eisenhower. But I also represent, as was indicated
earlier, by those who were--I think it was the Senator from
Colorado, the importance of those small and regional airports.
Essential air service, perhaps with the exception of
Alaska, Kansas is the most dependent upon essential air service
programs to make certain that our rural airports are able to
remain available and open, and that transportation occurs.
And we forget sometimes the importance of aviation for
bringing a physician or a patient to a physician, to crop
dusting, to the way, again, we earn our living in Kansas, in
agriculture that airplane matters greatly. So, this is hugely
important, and I have invited every FAA Administrator since I
have been in Congress to come to Kansas and spend time with me.
And if you are confirmed, I will make that request. The
challenges that the FAA faces, in my view, are tremendous, and
the leadership needs to be consistent and bold. It needs to be
different than it has been in the sense that we have had too
many changes too many times and we need consistency.
I would be delighted to hear how you believe you can manage
the magnitude of this job, and you have indicated that to some
degree. Let me give you an example of--and tell me how you
would handle this. The aviation industry in recovering from the
pandemic experienced a tremendous backlog, supply chain
problems, difficulty in getting answers from the FAA, but also
getting--difficulty in getting parts and materials from
suppliers.
Throughout the pandemic, the protection of the aviation
supply chain has been important to me and to Senator Cantwell
in legislation, as evidenced by legislation called the Aviation
Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program.
So, tell me how you would handle the magnitude of the
problems that occur when there is a crisis in this country? And
tell me about your experience again, that allows you to lead an
agency that has such consequences in the decisions it makes?
Mr. Washington. Well, thank you for the question, Senator.
I guess what I think about--you talk about stability. I think
bringing stability to the FAA is part of addressing those
issues. And so, what I would do is put together a plan, a
tactical plan around materials, a tactical plan around supply
chain parts, and be--have that as a first priority for me.
Some of the issues that we have seen around the country now
with material cost increases and inflation and all those things
is tied into the availability of various materials. And so,
putting a plan together within FAA to address that is one of
the first things that I would do.
The other thing that I think about, you mentioned the
subsidies. You mentioned the community----
Senator Moran. Essential air service.
Mr. Washington. Essential air service and those sorts of
things. I think we need to do better. The FAA needs to do
better with those subsidies as well. And that would be one of
my priorities as well. But to answer your question, putting
together a solid plan to address the role of airports, to
address places like Kansas would be something that would be one
of my first priorities.
Senator Moran. Mr. Washington, I don't think it is through
any fault of your own. You and I have not met until we shook
hands a moment ago. And if you are interested, I would make
certain that if you invite yourself to my office to have a
conversation, I would accept that invitation.
Mr. Washington. Yes, sir.
Senator Moran. Thank you.
The Chair. Senator Peters.
STATEMENT OF HON. GARY PETERS,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MICHIGAN
Senator Peters. Thank you, Madam Chair. Well, Mr.
Washington, you have been nominated for a very tough job. And I
just want to thank you for your willingness to take on this
responsibility. Certainly, you have the experience, the
qualifications, and may I say the leadership qualities
necessary to lead the FAA during a very challenging time. So,
thank you for your willingness to take on this very difficult
task.
Mr. Washington, I have long advocated for the FAA to
transition away from the use of toxic PFAS, containing
firefighting foams. And in fact, in the 2018 FAA
reauthorization, I led the adoption of language that directed
the FAA to no longer require the use of these foams at part 139
airports.
Last year, President Biden signed into law my legislation
entitled, Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act, which allows
airports to purchase the equipment they need to test their
firefighting response without discharging toxic PFAS chemicals.
Michigan airports continue to lead the way on this issue, but
they need a strong partner in the FAA to fully transition away
from the use of PFAS and protect our communities from further
contamination.
As an airport CEO, I know you have firsthand experience
when it comes to PFAS at airports, and I would just like to
know if confirmed, how will that experience shape your approach
to ending these substances in aviation?
Mr. Washington. Well, thank you for the question, Senator.
I agree this is an important issue. At Denver, we started our
own cleanup, a voluntary clean up. We have already started
that.
Now, I know not everyone can do that, but we wanted to
start for the benefit of everyone at our airport, including our
employees. My understanding is that the new performance
requirements for the firefighting foam was issued earlier this
year by DOD. We would work with DOD, and I think that if
confirmed, I would have a special relationship with the
Department of Defense as a veteran.
But we would work to develop a transition plan around PFAS.
There are a number of airports that are doing this very well.
And so, you know, perhaps there is sort of a peer-to-peer
exchange that can occur while we are waiting on that
alternative as well.
And so, I would bring what we are doing at Denver and scale
that up, because I think we are addressing the PFAS problem
probably than--probably better than most airports around the
country.
Senator Peters. Right, right. Last week, I asked Acting
Administrator Nolan about improving FAA's effort to integrate
unmanned aerial systems into our national airspace. Communities
in my state of Michigan are looking to take advantage of this
cutting-edge technology and a lot of economic opportunity that
will result from that.
However, there are major barriers to adoption, including
slow implementation of the provisions that my colleagues and I
passed in the 2018 reauthorization bill. So, my question for
you, sir, is, if confirmed, will you commit to prioritizing
efforts to ensure that the U.S. maintains global leadership in
advanced aviation, particularly unmanned aerial systems?
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator.
Absolutely. Absolutely, and that gets to what I think is the
slow pace of rulemaking as well. One of my priorities is to
streamline internally to start with internal to FAA, to
streamline the rulemaking process.
And so, absolutely, I agree that we need to move on this. I
agree that we need to understand and keep pace with industry on
unmanned aerial systems. I will do that as Administrator.
Senator Peters. Right. Well, thank you. I chair the
Homeland Security and Government Affairs committee here in the
Senate, and one of my priorities is to ensure that airports
have the tools to counter those who may use UAS as threat and
as a domestic security risk.
The FAA has been a partner in working to understand how
these systems affect our airspace and transportation, but we
are going to need to work together to protect our critical
infrastructure from these threats.
UAS have a lot of opportunities, but they also present
serious threats to airspace and critical infrastructure as
well, as you know. So, my last question is, if confirmed, will
you commit to work with me to ensure that there is robust
interagency coordination to counter UAS efforts?
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator.
Absolutely. And I think, I know the Biden Administration
proposed legislation to expand authorities is out there. FAA
has been a partner with that, and I will continue that path.
Senator Peters. Wonderful. Thank you. Thank you, Madam
Chair.
The Chair. Thank you, Senator Peters. Senator Thune.
STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN THUNE,
U.S. SENATOR FROM SOUTH DAKOTA
Senator Thune. Thank you, Madam Chair, for holding this
important hearing today. It is difficult to think of a time in
recent history when the FAA has been confronted with more
challenges.
On top of implementing the last FAA reauthorization and the
certification reform bill, the agency is contending with an
increasingly complex national airspace system, which must
accommodate the growth in commercial space activity, and the
integration of drones and advanced air mobility aircraft.
Managing all these challenges while maintaining the highest
level of safety in the world's busiest aviation system requires
a skilled leader with extensive aviation experience. I am
concerned that the FAA's delay in addressing these challenges
is further setting back the modernization of the air traffic
control system and jeopardizing aviation safety.
Recent travel disruptions, especially those related to
recent ATC issues and the failure of the NOTAM system in
January, underscore the need for action. So as this committee
begins to work on the next FAA reauthorization, it is going to
be essential to ensure the agency a strong, capable leadership
at the helm.
So, I appreciate the opportunity to review Mr. Washington's
qualifications and appreciate you being here to testify today.
On February the 8th, Senator Warner and I introduced the
Increasing Competitiveness for American Drones Act, which
directs FAA to establish a regulatory framework for beyond
visual line of sight UAS operations, especially since many UAS
certification applications, through the current process, have
languished for years.
I believe that a clear framework for such operations is
critical to the safety and efficiency of the NAS. And I intend
to work with the Chair and the Ranking Member to integrate this
legislation into the FAA reauthorization bill.
So, my question is, if confirmed, can you describe how you
would work to create a beyond visual line of sight regulatory
framework and otherwise streamline the airworthiness approval
process for UAS?
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator. That
would definitely be a priority of mine. I know the FAA is doing
work around this right now, and I will check on the progress of
that. But I think this is very, very important to keep pace
with industry around this issue, and also to make sure we have
the workforce to set up that framework. I would make this a
priority.
I think, right now, I listened to Acting Administrator
Nolan and he talked about 2024, being ready around 2024. I
would want to accelerate that, and I think we can do that. In
Los Angeles, I created what I call an Office of Extraordinary
Innovation to do just that, to work with industry to make sure
that we entertain and look to implement various innovative
things.
And I think when we talk about advanced air mobility, that
is a perfect example for one. So, we would move that forward,
and I commit to doing that.
Senator Thune. And I hope--and I will just tell you, in
drafting this bill, Senator Warner and I worked to address the
concerns of incumbent users of the NAS, especially those
operating at lower altitudes, such as helicopters and
agricultural aviation, which is very important in my State.
However, I would say there is more work that needs to be
done at the agency to ensure the safe co-existence of UAS with
these stakeholders. And so, I hope you will stay on top of it
and work to get this done in a timely way.
Let me just ask from your perspective, what should be done
to ensure the safe coexistence of nascent beyond visual line of
sight operations with incumbent users at low altitude? Could
you talk a little bit about what you think ought to be the
solution.
Mr. Washington. Well, I think one solution is to make sure
that the FAA itself is ready to implement that. One of my
concerns is whether internally we are ready to take that on. I
would want to make sure that we are. I would want to sit down
with industry and partnering sessions to understand what the
challenges are from their perspective, and to be ready to
implement when they are ready and keeping track of industry.
So, I would bring them in and sit down with them
immediately to find out what the constraints are and what the
challenges are and move forward that way.
Senator Thune. And you would work with the stakeholder
community, make sure those concerns are addressed?
Mr. Washington. Yes. Yes, sir.
Senator Thune. OK. All right. Well, let me go quickly here.
Let me just, during my time as chairman of this committee, we
considered and enacted the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and
included prioritization of NextGen upgrades to bolster the
Nation's air traffic control system.
These upgrades, in addition to employing concepts such as
dynamic airspace management, will allow the U.S. to better
utilize existing infrastructure and increase the capacity and
efficiency of the NAS. There has been a lot of recent, we all
know, ATC issues at airports across the country that certainly
highlighted the need for modernization.
So, I know my time is up, but from your perspective, are
there specific technology upgrades that should be prioritized
to avoid preventable incidents like those which occurred in New
York and in Austin?
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator.
Absolutely. I think the installation of new technology is one
thing, but the integration of that technology is quite another
thing.
So, the integration and the training of FAA employees is
quite another thing. And I think we have to think about the
integration. A lot of the installation is already done, but I
am concerned about the integration of that technology to use it
to its full capacity.
Senator Thune. Well, we need to catch up. Thank you. Thank
you, Madam Chair.
The Chair. Thank you, Senator Thune. Senator Duckworth.
STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY DUCKWORTH,
U.S. SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS
Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you,
Ranking Member Cruz, for holding today's hearing. I want to
thank you, Mr. Washington, for your quarter century of service
to our Nation in uniform.
It is said that the NCO is the backbone of the army, and a
backbone, a strong one, is exactly what you need to be FAA
Administrator, because you all need to stand up to pressures
from aircraft manufacturers, as well as from airlines looking
to reduce or circumvent critical aviation safety requirements.
There is a saying about aviation regulations, that they are
written in blood. When deadly accidents happen, we investigate
and adjust our regulations to ensure whatever went wrong never
happens again, but only after blood has been shed. Following
the deadly Colgan Air crash in 2009, which killed 50 people,
Congress passed a law to require all commercial airline pilots
to complete 1,500 flight hours.
To its credit, the FAA has rejected all proposals to water
down this key safety requirement. Sergeant Major Washington,
when we spoke last year, we talked about my strong belief in
the 1,500-hour rule, a belief that is not based on evidence-
less emotion, and instead grounded in my own expertise as a
pilot, and also as a former Commander of an Army aviation
company where I was in charge of the training, the aviation
training of my soldiers.
We know how critical real world flying experience is for
safety. Look, I accept that there will always be those who want
to give in to the temptation to cut corners or buy into the
false hope of a quick fix or an easy answer, especially when
there is a critical aviation workforce shortage.
But as Chair of the Aviation Safety subcommittee and an
aviator, it is my responsibility to stand up for a basic safety
principle, hours in the cockpit are hours. But spent in the
seat, in the air cannot, cannot be replaced no matter how many
hours you spend in a lecture hall or in a simulator.
Experience and expertise cannot be faked. These life
savings attributes are earned through hours of hard work and
dedication to the craft of piloting a real aircraft in the air
with real stakes.
Mr. Washington, if confirmed to lead FAA, will you commit
to defending the 1,500-hour rule and rejecting any proposal to
weaken or water down what is really a commonsense requirement,
that before we place the lives of commercial passengers in the
hands of a new pilot, that pilot must first gain at least 1,500
hours of flight time.
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator. If
confirmed, I will not deviate from that standard. I agree with
you that the 1,500-hour rule should stay in place. I have
never, especially as a Command Sergeant Major, believed in
lowering the standard.
I believe in bringing people up to the standard. And that
is very, very important. So, I would not deviate from that
standard.
Senator Duckworth. Thank you. Simulators are important,
simulators are good, but simulators have a reset button where
you get to be reborn again. It is not the same as being in a
cockpit out there in icing environments and windy environments.
And I know you have trained many a soldier in a simulator,
in many types of simulators. My second question for you, as we
discussed last year, I remain concerned about the FAA's
hesitancy to use its civil enforcement authority. There are two
issues involving the Boeing 737 MAX that I find just stunning,
but not in a good way.
The first involves evidence that came to light as part of a
Congressional investigation. And I have a graphic that is up
here. This is an internal Boeing memo documenting plans to
avoid using the term MCAS outside of the company and instead
merely describe the new function as an addition to the already
existing speed trim system. The memo suggests a motive.
If we, and I quote, ``if we emphasize MCAS is a new
function, there may be greater certification and training
impact.'' Even worse, the memo says this plan to downplay the
significance of MCAS was approved by an authorized
representative, which was a Boeing employee that FAA
specifically authorized to conduct certification work on behalf
of the agency.
This is what I mean when I say you are going to have a
strong backbone through the pressures from the industry. Yet
FAA never investigated this internal Boeing memo, and I am not
aware of any FAA civil enforcement action against the
responsible individuals. As you know, pilots' inability to
arrest the MCAS ultimately led to two deadly MAX crashes,
killing 346 people.
The other issue is that apparently Boeing knew of the angle
of attack disagree alert was inoperable on more than 80 percent
of the 737 MAX aircraft, in direct violation of the plane's FAA
approved type design.
Yet Boeing did not inform the FAA, air carriers, or MAX
pilots of this for more than a year, and not--and only did so
after the first deadly MAX crash. Faulty angle of attack data
was a factor in both MAX crashes, yet FAA, as it stands
currently, does not appear to have taken any civil enforcement
actions against Boeing for this.
While I am pleased that the Department of Transportation's
Inspector General is now examining FAA's handling of these
issues, I fear this speaks to a broader reluctance at FAA to
use its civil enforcement authority. Mr. Washington, will you
commit to using FAA's full civil enforcement authority as
appropriate?
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator. Yes, I
think--I want to first acknowledge the role of the families in
advocating for holding Boeing and FAA accountable. And if
confirmed, I would do and foot stomp what has already been
conveyed to Boeing.
I would also reinforce to our workforce that they will
always have the time to do what they need, and that includes
civil enforcement.
Senator Duckworth. I have a final question for the--I will
submit for the record. Thank you, Madam Chair.
The Chair. Thank you. Senator Budd.
STATEMENT OF HON. TED BUDD,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NORTH CAROLINA
Senator Budd. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Washington,
thanks for being here today. I have some concerns with your
nomination. But first of all, besides that, I just want to say
thank you for your service to our country through our military.
You have a lot of veterans, a lot of military installations
in our State of North Carolina and so we appreciate what you
have done. Now, you have been nominated to lead an agency with
authority to regulate aircraft, airspace, and airmen. The U.S.
has some of the most complex airspace in the world.
I mean, we have got 200--over 200,000 registered aircraft,
more than a million pilots in our country, and over 45,000
flights per day handled by ATC. Now, with recent issues under
the Biden Administration, from the flight disruptions over
Christmas, the NOTAM or the notice to air missions ground stop,
and the recent near-miss incidents in New York, Texas, and just
yesterday in Boston, my colleagues and I were concerned about
the many or several parts of your background and your lack of
aviation experience.
Now, there are many new regulations that the FAA has issued
or is in process of developing. Here is one for instance. The
FAA is spending billions of dollars on its NextGen programs, as
you are aware, to modernize the national airspace system. A key
part of this update is moving toward GPS navigation for pilots
and ATC.
Now, as part of this transition, the FAA recently required
airplanes to be equipped with an ADS-B transponder. So, Mr.
Washington, can you quickly tell me what airspace requires an
ADS-B transponder? Quickly, please.
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator. Not
sure I can answer that question right now.
Senator Budd. That is OK. We will just keep going. So, that
is a pretty important part. But another question, you have said
that your national security background, and again, I appreciate
your military experience there, but you say that has prepared
you for this role. OK.
The FAA has classified airspace to meet the needs of
airports, air traffic, and also national security. The FAA has
also designated special use airspace over DOD bases critical to
national security.
So, what are the six types of special use airspace that
protect this national security that appear on FAA charts?
Quickly, please.
Mr. Washington. Sorry, Senator, I cannot answer that
question.
Senator Budd. OK. We will just keep going, so thank you.
Since World War II, the FAA has required pilots to have a valid
medical certificate. I have got one. In recent years, the FAA
has relaxed these standards through the introduction of the
sport pilot certificate and also basic med. It has been a great
success.
More than 70,000 pilots in the last 6 years have used basic
med to maintain their flying privileges. So, what are the
limit--it comes with some limitations. So, what are the
operational limitations of a pilot flying under basic med?
Mr. Washington. Well, thank you for the question, Senator.
I am not a pilot, so----
Senator Budd. But obviously you would oversee the Federal
Aviation Administration, so any idea what those restrictions
are under basic med, quickly?
Mr. Washington. Well, some of the restrictions, I think,
would be high blood pressure. Some of them would be----
Senator Budd. It is more like how many passengers per
airplane, how many pounds in different categories, and what
altitude you can fly under. So, and the amount of knots, it is
under 250 knots, so it is not--have anything to do with blood
pressure. So, let's keep going here. Aviation, I have heard you
talk about aviation and safety and it being a particular
concern of yours.
I appreciate that. Spin speed accidents are a particular
concern for general aviation safety advocates. Accidents
involving an unintentional stall account for nearly 25 percent
of fatal aviation accidents.
And these happen, it spins at low speed and low altitude,
and they are particularly dangerous. Say, can you tell me what
causes an aircraft to spin or to stall?
Mr. Washington. Again, Senator, I am not a pilot, but I
would lean on our career employees and our safety folks within
the FAA.
Senator Budd. OK, let's keep going. So, we have mentioned
just recently, Senator, before me mentioned the 737 MAX issues.
So, there are many questions surrounding the FAA's aircraft
certification process.
Two years ago, Congress passed a major reform package to
address these concerns. It is now up to FAA to implement these
laws by issuing regulations and monitoring compliance.
Mr. Washington, what are the three aircraft certifications
FAA requires as part of the manufacturing process? Quickly,
please. Three aircraft certifications.
Mr. Washington. Again, what I would say to that is that one
of my first priorities would be to fully implement that
certification act and report that----
Senator Budd. Do you know the three types, Mr. Washington?
The three types.
Mr. Washington. No.
Senator Budd. OK. Yes, that is type certificate, production
certificate, airworthiness certificate. OK, all right. Let's
just keep going and see if we can get lucky here. All right, so
just since January, the U.S. has narrowly averted three
aviation disasters.
On three separate occasions, airplanes came dangerously
close to colliding on runways at New York--excuse me, at New
York, JFK, Austin, Bergstrom, and Boston Logan Airport. The
Austin incident reminded me of the Tenerife accident, which is
the deadliest aviation accident in history.
Both the incident at Tenerife and Austin included or
involved two planes on a runway in dense fog. The FAA's ATC
procedures manual has separation standards. Now, I know you run
a big airport, so you should probably know this one here. It
has got separation standards for planes using the same runway.
So, can you tell me what the minimum separation distance is
for landing and departing airliners during the daytime, Mr.
Washington?
Mr. Washington. I don't want to guess on that, Senator. But
it would be easy for me to find out.
Senator Budd. Thank you. You know, the FAA is woefully
behind on integrating unmanned aircraft standards, but are you
familiar with the difference between Part 107 and Part 44809
when it comes to unmanned aerial standards, unmanned drones?
Are you familiar with the difference?
Mr. Washington. Yes, yes.
Senator Budd. OK. You know the difference between those
two, Part 44809 and Part 107? Do you know the difference there?
Mr. Washington. No, I cannot spell that out for you.
Senator Budd. It is OK.
The Chair. Senator, your time has expired.
Senator Budd. Thank you. You know, the FAA can't afford to
be led by someone who needs on the job training, and for that
reason, I am going to be opposing your nomination. But thank
you for your time.
The Chair. Senator Klobuchar.
STATEMENT OF HON. AMY KLOBUCHAR,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA
Senator Klobuchar. Thank you. Well, Mr. Washington, I
appreciate your incredible career and experience, 24-year
veteran of the U.S. Army, rose to the rank of Command Sergeant
Major.
That kind of experience, you have to adapt to a lot of
changing circumstances and I would assume make in the moment
decisions all the time. And you work with the people around you
to make those decisions.
Mr. Washington. Yes, Senator.
Senator Klobuchar. Right. And you also have been managing
the third biggest airport in the country, is that right?
Mr. Washington. Yes.
Senator Klobuchar. I actually am a big fan of airports. You
are probably familiar with Minneapolis, Saint Paul.
Mr. Washington. Yes.
Senator Klobuchar. We have been voted the best airport in
the country a few times, I just want to point that out. OK, so
let's talk about, first of all, aviation workplace. I know you
have done a lot of work and recruiting workers, which is a
problem in the private part of our air service, in the public
part of our air service. Talk a little bit about how we build
the aviation work force.
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator. I
think it is very, very important to do the things that I have
been a part of for many, many years, and that is again, showing
a career pathway.
I talked about that a little bit earlier. I would scale
that up for aviation. I think the need is so great in all of
infrastructure, but especially aviation. We are building a
center of equity and excellence in aviation that has a career
pathway portion to that.
And so, in addition to creating that pathway in aviation, I
would go out and be the ``evangelist'' for aviation workforce
opportunities all over this country. I think we need to do that
not just for aviation, but other modes as well.
Senator Klobuchar. All right, very good. The FAA's Contract
Tower Program provides critical air traffic control safety
benefits to 256 smaller airports around the country, including
airports like Saint Cloud, Minnesota, Anoka County.
It is a good deal for taxpayers, helps rural communities,
supports military readiness, and national security operations.
If confirmed, would you commit to ensuring that rural airports
have the updated air traffic control towers and facilities they
need to accommodate rising air traffic levels?
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator.
Absolutely. I am committed to that and would love to work with
you on that.
Senator Klobuchar. Very good, thank you. Passengers at
airports experienced significant travel disruptions, as you
know, in January, due to the outage of the U.S. notices to air
missions, also known as NOTAM system. Senator Moran and I had a
call with the Acting Administrator on this.
And I lead legislation to require the FAA, which has also
bipartisan support and has passed the House of Representatives,
led by Representative Stauber, my colleague in Minnesota, to
establish a task force to strengthen the resiliency and
cybersecurity of the NOTAM system.
We know that is not the only thing that needs to be done.
We know there is going to be this transition to the NextGen air
traffic control. But if confirmed, would you commit to making
sure that we work with all stakeholders here to make sure that
this transition works and that we do a better job.
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question. Absolutely
commit to working with stakeholders. Also commit to making
redundancy of those systems a top priority as well.
Senator Klobuchar. OK, very good. I think I will ask my
remaining questions. I see my colleague, Senator Rosen, who is
such a leader on tourism, is here. And so, I am going to, after
the Republican questions, turn over to her. So, thank you,
Madam Chair.
The Chair. Thank you. Senator Vance.
STATEMENT OF HON. J. D. VANCE,
U.S. SENATOR FROM OHIO
Senator Vance. Great. Thank you, Madam Chair. And Mr.
Washington, thanks for being here. I want to ask just a
threshold question here. So, this is from the L.A. Metro Equity
Platform.
This is a graphic that appears, I believe, on the first
page. And I understand this is something, the equity platform
you supported over and over again in some of your public
comments. I would actually just, I would love for you to
explain what this means.
Mr. Washington. Well, thank you for the question, Senator.
Yes, we advocated and supported equity in a big way at L.A.
Metro and every organization that I have been a part of. I
think it is crucial for us to understand diversity, equity, and
inclusion, and so what you are looking at is equity with
everyone on a level playing field, if you will. And that is
what we espouse at every organization that I have been in,
especially L.A. Metro.
Senator Vance. And what do these boxes represent, I guess.
I mean, they are, you know, equality here. They have different
size boxes. And then here there are different boxes here. I am
just curious, what this is supposed to mean?
Mr. Washington. Yes, well, that is, you know, opportunity,
if you will. Opportunity and how you position people that may
be less fortunate for the same opportunities that other people
might receive.
Senator Vance. OK. I got to say, Mr. Washington, I
appreciate the attempt at an explanation there, but I don't
fully understand why equality and equity are different. I would
assume that equality of opportunity is something that we all
believe in and agree with. I worry just in some of your public
comments, some of the things that you said.
You tend to take this focus of explicitly saying that
colorblindness, of looking at people without regards to skin
color, is somehow in and of itself discriminatory. And I was
hoping to elucidate that a little bit by appeal to this chart
and try to understand it a little bit better.
But I have to be honest, and I am not trying to be rude,
Mr. Washington, I just don't fully understand what this is
meant to convey and how it might influence some of your
policies. In an effort to kind of drill down to that, I just
want to ask just a few questions here, because, you know, the
aviation industry is maybe the single industry where aptitude
and work safety matter more than almost anything else.
I mean, I can't imagine, even going under the knife, I
would probably choose having a safe pilot as more important
than even going under the knife for a surgery. So, I just want
to ask sort of how this this criticism of colorblindness that
you have had in some remarks in your career intersect with how
you think about the standards for pilots that exist in the
aviation industry.
So, a few just very direct questions. Do you believe that
white, black, and latino airline pilots should be able to read,
speak, and understand English before becoming commercial
airline pilots?
Mr. Washington. Yes, I do.
Senator Vance. Great. Thank you. Do you believe white,
black and latino airline pilots should have to hold the
commercial pilot certificate and an instrument rating as they
currently have to do?
Mr. Washington. Yes, I do.
Senator Vance. Great. Do you believe that white, black, and
latino airline pilots should have to have at least 1,500 hours
of total flight time in order to receive an airline transport
license?
Mr. Washington. Yes, I do.
Senator Vance. OK. Thank you, Mr. Washington. I appreciate
that. And here is the reason why I ask those questions, because
there is an inconsistency between some of the diversity,
equity, and inclusion rhetoric on the one hand, and the fact
that we should hold everybody to equal standards no matter
what. I have three young children, a 5-year-old, a 3-year-old,
and a 1-year-old.
You know, they are--a couple of their grandparents live in
San Diego, California, so they are on a flight a couple of
times a year at least. I am actually totally supportive of what
you might call a Rooney rule here.
I absolutely believe that if we take, you know, black
citizens or white citizens or anybody who hasn't had the same
opportunities as everybody else, it is great to make that extra
effort to ensure that they have the opportunity to become
commercial airline pilots or Federal administrators or whatever
the case may be.
What I worry about is some of our aviation industry, some
of the experts and some of the ideas centered around diversity,
equity, and inclusion seem to take the idea that we should
relax standards in an effort to promote certain groups of
certain racial or gender categories. And I just think that is a
terrible, terrible way to run an airline industry.
I don't really care whether the pilot that I have, what
their gender is, what their skin color is, I just care about
whether they can do the job. And I hope that you are committed
to the same exact attitude, because if we don't have safe
airline pilots and if we relax the standards in an effort to
get pilots of a certain skin color or a certain gender, it is
going to be disastrous, quite literally. Thank you.
STATEMENT OF HON. JACKY ROSEN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEVADA
Senator Rosen. Thank you. Senator Cantwell has left to
vote, and so I will recognize myself for 5 minutes to question
the witness. And so, before I begin my questions, I do want to
take a moment to express my condolences to the families who
were killed in the fatal crash of a medical transport flight
near Stagecoach, Nevada, on Friday.
And I am so thankful for our first responders, for the
hardworking people at the National Transportation Safety Board,
who my team has been in touch with. We will continue to follow
it. Our hearts go out to those families. And I would also
briefly like to speak about concerns I have about the nominee's
qualifications for the important position to which he has been
nominated.
Travel and tourism, the backbone, the backbone of Nevada's
economy. Our airports are the gateways to everything that we
have to offer, everything that we do. And therefore, it is
incredibly critical that we have an FAA Administrator with deep
experience promoting safe, efficient air travel.
And so, I do look forward in the coming weeks to learning
more about your record, Mr. Washington, and whether you are
adequately prepared for the position. And so I have a number of
important policy questions to ask. First, I am also going to
thank you for your service to this nation, and we are indebted
to you for that, and we thank you. And I am going to turn to my
questions.
One of them is about airport obstruction analysis, and I
hope you agree, just like all of us, safety of passengers' crew
is the most important aspect of airport operations, excuse me.
This is equally true at Harry Reid International Airport in Las
Vegas, which saw a record 52 million travelers in 2022.
But our airport, like so many others across the country,
have been left unable to raise critical safety and security
concerns about nearby obstructions through FAA's current
obstruction evaluation airport airspace analysis process. And I
know it is a long title but is so important.
We have to ensure that this obstruction analysis is robust,
it involves all stakeholder input, and in particular takes, in
the safety and security, those concerns of the airports
seriously.
And so, Mr. Washington, if confirmed, how will you ensure
that this obstruction analysis, this process, is sufficient to
account for major concerns about our air and ground safety
raised by airports and at the TSA?
Mr. Washington. Well, thank you for the questions, Senator.
I would certainly want to work with you on that.
I understand that the analysis that FAA uses is primarily
focused on the air traffic impacts versus the obstruction, and
as opposed to the security concerns, like the serious one that
I know you advocate for.
I appreciate you bringing it to our attention, and I would
certainly want to work with you on that to get the details on
traffic impacts versus obstruction.
Senator Rosen. Thank you. I want to move to something that
is really, again, very important as our airport, Harry Reid
International Airport is kind of at the one end of the Las
Vegas strip.
And Nevada quickly emerging as the sports capital of the
nation, we are home to the Las Vegas Raiders, the NHL's Golden
Knights, WNBA champions, the Aces, and we hosted the NFL draft,
we are the next host of the Super Bowl, and we are going to be
hosting a Formula One Grand Prix in November.
So, we are really proud of all of our sports and
entertainment, but this also makes us a target for bad actors,
especially when individuals are gathered around our stadiums. I
think Allegiant Stadium is about 65,000 seats there, and the
FAA has imposed temporary flight restrictions over stadium
events, including for drones.
Congress has subsequently strengthened and codified these
requirements. However, sports leagues have been reporting
violations of flight restrictions by drones. And so, if
confirmed, this of course impacts the safety of everyone there,
how will you ensure Federal policy not only continues for these
long-standing protections for stadiums, but really keeps
evolving with these new threats as they continue to grow?
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question.
Senator Rosen. Particularly the drones.
Mr. Washington. Right. Thank you for that question. I would
want to work with you on that to understand exactly what the
issues are. There is a lot of interest in how drones will be
integrated and how they will be used at airports around various
Government functions and facilities.
If confirmed, I would certainly want to work closely with
you on that and the topic under reauthorization as well.
Senator Rosen. The drones are increasingly growing, and
they are getting smaller and growing in strength, so we have to
address that. I only have a few seconds left, so I am just
going to go quickly. Again, on drones, drones used for critical
infrastructure inspection. There is bipartisan legislation I
introduced with Senator Bozeman and Blumenthal authorizing $100
million in competitive grants, allow our cities to local
governments to purchase and operate small drones.
They can go in and out of bridges and through tunnels and
they can take pictures and see things that might be more
difficult for humans to get to. So, we have been seeking
technical assistance for some time.
Will you commit to working with us, if confirmed, at the
very least to provide formal FAA feedback so we can use this
technology for safety for our critical infrastructure?
Mr. Washington. Absolutely, Senator. Absolutely, commit to
working with you.
Senator Rosen. Thank you. I am going to now recognize
Senator Schmitt for his questions.
STATEMENT OF HON. ERIC SCHMITT,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSOURI
Senator Schmitt. Thank you, Senator. Mr. Washington, how
are you?
Mr. Washington. Good, sir.
Senator Schmitt. Good. The Biden Administration recently
announced equity czars in every department, in every agency.
These czars, of course, haven't been authorized by Congress in
any way, shape, or form, but will implement initiatives to
deliver radical, ``equitable outcomes.''
This really isn't about opportunity for all Americans, but
mandating certain outcomes and virtue signaling, and a simple
yes or no answer would be great. Do you intend, if you are
confirmed, to have this so-called equity czar as a member of
your senior staff at the FAA?
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator. I do
think that there is a role to play for equity in organizations,
so I would definitely look at that.
Senator Schmitt. So, you will or you will not have this
equity czar as a member of your senior staff, yes, or no?
Mr. Washington. I think an equity person is necessary, yes.
Senator Schmitt. OK. The stated mission, of course, of the
FAA is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system
in the world. There seems to be a real disconnect between that
mission, what some of the FAA's current activities are, and
quite frankly, your nomination.
So let me recap for you just a couple of months in
transportation, aerospace news. The first complete ground stop
of civilian air travel since 9/11 because of a complete
meltdown of the NOTAM system.
A train derailment in East Palestine that is slowly
poisoning an Ohio community. Several near-misses of civilian
and cargo planes at the Texas--at a Texas airport and a
California airport. And I could keep going, but I think you get
the point. And what is the Department of Transportation and the
FAA focused on?
Changing the name of the NOTAM system to be, ``more
inclusive,'' and putting time and effort into woke pet
projects, and putting time--and also at a time where they could
be improving our antiquated systems.
And I will tell you right now, the folks in Missouri and
more broadly American, the American people don't care one bit
if people are getting a pat on the back at a conference posted
by some DEI consultants on a name change.
They want pilots who have the safety information, the best
pilots in the world so the American public can travel
efficiently and safely. Your prior record and what you have
already testified here today shows that you will be more
focused on aggressively pushing woke DEI projects instead of
actually ensuring the safety and efficiency across our
aerospace system.
These DEI projects that you spent your time pushing are
left wing advocates' dreams, and they are mind boggling, quite
frankly. First, requiring all procurement proposals at the
Denver airport to have an equity plan, and furthermore force
those reviewing the contract proposals to, ``look for DEI
social, cultural merits as they consider contracts.''
And this is a yes or no question, do you intend to make FAA
staffers, if you are confirmed, look at the social, cultural
merits of contracts, if you are confirmed?
Mr. Washington. Safety will always be my number one
priority.
Senator Schmitt. Right. But the question is, you did this
at Denver, but are you going to require the social, cultural
merits of contracts to be considered?
Mr. Washington. I think that is one of the factors that we
need to look at, along with everything else.
Senator Schmitt. With safety? That doesn't have anything to
do with safety.
Mr. Washington. Senator, safety is the number one priority.
Senator Schmitt. OK. Just last year, you wanted a Center
for Equity and Excellence built in Denver for $40 million. This
center would have a, quote, hall of equity for training
sessions. Simple yes or no, Mr. Washington, do you think
families in Denver or across the country are interested in
spending millions and millions of dollars for halls of equity?
Mr. Washington. Thank you for the question, Senator. I
think families in Denver are interested in safety at our
airport, and I deliver that on a daily basis.
Senator Schmitt. $40 million is a lot of money for halls of
equity. You would agree with that, right? Is that really the
most pressing issue?
Mr. Washington. I think one of the pressing issues is to
make sure that we have a qualified workforce for years to come.
Senator Schmitt. I would agree with that. Your record of
pushing DEI and woke ideologies in the transit system you
worked at is alarming. Last year, the Biden Administration
pushed a budget that listed as its priorities for the FAA in
this order, first, climate change, second, increasing equity,
then investments in safety and modernization.
This emphasis matters. The Fiscal Year 2023 FAA budget had
over $700--or I am sorry, $570 million for equity. And then
another $760 million for climate change projects to meet global
standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Simple yes or no, if confirmed as the FAA Administrator, do
you intend to use taxpayer dollars to prioritize equity and
climate change over safety?
Mr. Washington. I am going to follow the law, Senator.
Senator Schmitt. Well, that is not the law because Congress
certainly hasn't voted on that. So, are you going to prioritize
those two as the President has indicated he would like to?
Mr. Washington. Safety will be number one for FAA.
Senator Schmitt. OK. And let me just--let me just close
with this. I will tell you that the folks of Missouri aren't
interested in spending billions on halls of equity. They don't
want decisions made on social, cultural merits.
They don't want a half a billion dollars spent on undefined
equity projects. They don't want a woke globalist ideological
agenda thrust upon them by unelected bureaucrats at the FAA.
And so, this is our only opportunity to speak for them because
you are not elected. They want safety, they want reliability,
they want affordability.
And I am concerned the FAA has lost its way, and your track
record seems to indicate that you are much, much in line with
this prioritization of diversity, equity, inclusion, climate
change over safety, and that is very concerning to me.
The Chair. Senator Markey.
STATEMENT OF HON. EDWARD MARKEY,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS
Senator Markey. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Mr.
Washington. During Mr. Washington's 24-year career in the
United States Army, he achieved the rank of Command Sergeant
Major. No one, no one understands safety better than a Command
Sergeant Major.
That is what they exist for, to protect all of the people
who work for them and everyone that those people are trying to
protect. And that is the job that Mr. Washington is being
considered for, and I have no doubt that he understands exactly
what his job will be, to make safety number one.
Because his training shows that he has got the background.
He served as the Chief of Operations for the Logistics Division
and the Chief of the Human Capital Division, roles that require
superlative diligence, vigilance, and commitment to detail. Mr.
Washington has an exceptional track record of delivering major
infrastructure projects on time and under budget in Denver and
in Los Angeles, as a Command Sergeant Major would.
Mr. Washington is a dedicated public servant, proven leader
who makes the trains and the planes run safely and on time.
There is just far too much at stake to play politics with this
nomination, with skyrocketing flight cancellations, multiple
near-miss collisions at airports, including one at Logan
Airport on Monday of this week.
We need a permanent FAA Administrator, somebody who knows
what they are doing. And Mr. Washington is the right person for
this job at this time. I want to turn to climate change's
impact on the aviation industry.
From melting runways in London to Southwest Airlines
holiday meltdowns, climate change is significantly impacting
our aviation system. Mr. Washington, do you agree that climate
change poses new challenges for airlines, airports, and the
FAA?
Mr. Washington. Senator, yes, I do.
Senator Markey. Just for the record, there was a report out
just a few weeks ago that Burlington, Vermont, for example, is
seven degrees Fahrenheit warmer today than it was in 1970. Can
I say that? That is Burlington, Vermont, seven degrees warmer.
You translate that all across the country in the years to
come, that is fundamental in the risks that are going to be
posed to the infrastructure of our airports. Just this morning,
we saw a new Brookings research that found that airports are
under dire threat from climate change.
And I would like to enter this concerning research into the
record concerning that study, Madam Chair.
The Chair. Without objection.
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