[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 117 (Tuesday, July 8, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NOMINATION OF BRYAN BEDFORD

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, finally, on the nomination of Bedford to 
the FAA, later this evening, Senate Republicans will vote to advance 
Donald Trump's nominee to lead the FAA, Bryan Bedford.
  To say that Mr. Bedford is a deeply flawed nominee would be putting 
it mildly. Throughout his career as an airline executive and during his 
hearing, Mr. Bedford has shown a callous disregard for the 1,500-hour 
rule and even refused to commit to protecting the rule if confirmed.
  I worked long and hard with the families of Flight 3407, years ago, 
to establish the 1,500-hour rule after they lost all their loved ones 
on a tragic plane crash that occurred on a winter's night in Western 
New York. They have worked so hard, and they are so proud of their 
accomplishments. In the face of unspeakable loss, they worked 
relentlessly to change America's aviation laws to prevent a tragedy 
like that that happened to their families.
  Today, the 1,500-hour rule is the gold standard for pilot training. 
So affirming the 1,500-hour rule should be the easiest thing in the 
world for someone nominated to oversee the FAA, but Mr. Bedford failed 
again and again to do so.
  Weakening the 1,500-hour rule is dangerous and could cost lives. With 
aviation safety top of mind, Americans don't want pilots with less 
training, which would happen if the 1,500-hour rule were not extended, 
were repealed or not enforced.
  Americans don't want the FAA weakening safety standards, but I fear 
that is precisely what Mr. Bedford will do: weaken the 1,500-hour rule, 
weaken safety standards, and prioritize profits over passenger safety.
  The American people deserve far better than an FAA Administrator who 
isn't fully committed to their safety. The Senate should reject Mr. 
Bedford's nomination.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Democratic whip.

                          ____________________