CQ TODAY MIDDAY UPDATE
Dec. 21, 2007 – 1:45 p.m.
Mica Calls Inaction on FAA Chief ‘Politics,’ Democrats Cite Fatigue
A key House Republican has accused Senate Democrats of choosing politics over aviation safety because they postponed a confirmation hearing on a new chief for the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee had planned to consider the nomination of Robert Sturgell as head of the FAA on Thursday, but put off the hearing because the Senate had finished its work late Wednesday and many members were heading home.
“This inaction by some in the Senate has left the FAA without congressionally approved leadership,” John L. Mica , R-Fla., said. “Without a confirmed FAA administrator, safety and modernization projects will be left to the whims of a rudderless federal bureaucracy.”
Mica, the top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said Democrats were succumbing to pressure from special interests in delaying action on Sturgell’s nomination for a five-year term.
But committee aides said it was fatigue, not politics, that led them to hold off. The hearing was postponed, one aide said, because the full Senate had finished its business for the year and members were eager to head home for the holidays.
Former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey completed her five-year term in September and Sturgell, who is acting administrator, was nominated shortly thereafter.
Congress is still struggling to complete a new four-year authorization for the FAA. The House and Senate have each passed bills to overhaul aviation policy, but they remain divided over several key provisions.
Comments
the house has finished its bill long ago the senate table s 1300 over a power struggle between subcommittees Lott's ego was bruised and Rockefeller is no friend to aviation. Mica has no room to talk about special interests with over 8 million in the bank most of his money comes from industry, Bobby Sturgil is a book worm-ish, yes man not a leader of men. the FAA is at a cross-road they need real leadership more than ever!
John L. Mica , R-Fla., said. "Without a confirmed FAA administrator, safety and modernization projects will be left to the whims of a rudderless federal bureaucracy." Mr. Mica and the Republican controlled congress did nothing to promote safety or modernization for the six years they controlled the Congress. Mr. Mica solely lobbied against the Air Traffic Controllers for years even though they warned him and the FAA that the system was facing certain catastrophy and delays because of the Blakey administration policies. Mr. Sturgell was the number two man during the erosion of the best aviation system in the world and does not deserve the opportunity to destroy it further.
Archie league, glad you know so much about Mr. Sturgell. If you can't say something nice about someone or even spell their name correctly, please keep your comments to yourself. Thank you.
Registered Independent It belittles one to comment on spelling and or grammar. I see the mans point, and the point was well made.
Rob3, everyone is entitled to their opinion but personal attacks are not necessary.
They can wait a very long time, if Sturgell's the best they have. If the FAA would like, I can respond to a phone number or email left here for an interview. I can't say I've ever run a Cabinet agency or been responsible for the entire National Airspace System, but apparently the only qualifications necessary are a hatred of the employees who make the position possible, and a willingness to screw them whenever the law permits. I can negotiate a highly competitive salary, and I'm sure that Sturgell's qualifications aren't too much greater than mine in what this White House wants in an FAA Administrator. By the way, if you want some fun, make an FOIA for air traffic operational errors for the last fifteen years. You might see a fun trend developing in the last three years, when the FAA has underestimated its retirements by 25% and its new hire attrition by nearly 70%.
POST A COMMENT
Oops! The following errors must be addressed: