Washington, D.C. — Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) and 26 Democratic members of the T&I Committee today wrote to Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford and Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy requesting additional information about the dramatic and unprecedented decision to reduce airline flight capacity by up to 10 percent at 40 high traffic airports across the country.

“The safety of U.S. airspace should always be the top priority; and we are extremely grateful to our dedicated and talented aviation workforce for ensuring the safety of the flying public during these turbulent times,” the Members wrote.

“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must make all major aviation safety decisions with a focus on the National Airspace System (NAS) as a whole and supported by a thorough analysis of appropriate data,” the Members continued. “We understand the urgent need to address any mounting aviation safety risks in the NAS and the Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) assertion that this type of action was needed. However, it appears that the administration made this decision without adequate coordination with key aviation stakeholders. The unprecedented nature of the administration’s decision to suddenly and drastically limit air traffic demands congressional review.”

The Members concluded by requesting answers to twelve common-sense questions vital to understanding what went into this decision and what lessons can be learned.

To read the full letter, click HERE.

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