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US Senate Committee confirms Trump's nominee for FAA head

Senate Commerce Committee voted on Wednesday 15 to 13 in favor of the nomination of Bryan Bedford, CEO at Republic Airways to lead the Federal Aviation Administration. However, the committee did not increase proposed funding for overhauling air traffic control. All Republicans voted for the nomination, but Democrats voted against it after citing Bedford's refusal of to adhere to the 1,500 hour training rule for copilots. Bedford has promised to maintain strict oversight of Boeing. The National Transportation Safety Board criticized Boeing Tuesday for an emergency mid-air involving a 737 MAX 9, which was missing four bolts.

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz proposed $12.5 billion in funding for air traffic management on June 5, but Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has since urged lawmakers to fund the program.

He added billions to the total and stated that he was in support

At least $20 billion.

After a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army chopper on January 29, near Washington Reagan National Airport, the Trump administration is looking to overhaul the FAA air traffic control system. The 67 passengers on the plane died. Cruz published revised text on Wednesday regarding the massive tax bill and budget that keeps the $12.5 billion in air traffic control the same.

Duffy is seeking funding for the purchase of new radios and networks, to replace 618 radars, to install anti-collision technology on 200 airports, and to build six new air-traffic control centers.

He also wants to fund airport equipment for preventing near-misses and introduce new incentives to increase air traffic controller retention and hiring.

Major aerospace companies have asked for funding of at least $11 billion to repair the FAA's crumbling radar and air traffic control systems, construct new towers, and improve runway safety.

It has taken years for the FAA to develop a network that is able to control air traffic. But a series of high-profile incidents, near misses, and the January crash have sparked public concern and led to new calls for actions. David Shepardson is the reporter.

(source: Reuters)