Tammy Baldwin Confronts FAA Nominee Bryan Bedford on Milwaukee Comments

Confrontation Over Past Comments

• 📌 Senator Tammy Baldwin expressed dismay over reported past comments by FAA nominee Bryan Bedford, where he allegedly stated, "I don't care how cheap you make it. You don't go there unless you have to," regarding Milwaukee.
• 💬 Bedford strongly pushed back against the quote, expressing his love for Milwaukee and his efforts to save Midwest Airlines there, suggesting the quote might have been made under the influence.

Support for Contract Towers

• ✈️ Senator Baldwin inquired about assurances that contract towers would remain a high priority for Bedford if confirmed, highlighting their importance for rural air service, flight schools, and military readiness.
• 💡 Bedford affirmed the vital role of contract towers, noting their frequent use in his own flight training and their reliance by thousands of student pilots.

Passenger Accessibility and Disabilities

• ♿ Baldwin discussed her legislative efforts to strengthen protections for air travelers with disabilities, including provisions for accessibility standards for airplanes and wheelchair users.
• ❤️ Bedford shared personal experience with mobility challenges through his daughter's recovery from a spinal cord stroke and his wife's foundation work, emphasizing his commitment to enforcing these measures.

Aviation Workforce Development

• 🧑‍✈️ The discussion turned to the need for improving recruitment and retention in the aviation workforce, particularly pilots and maintenance technicians.
• 💰 Baldwin highlighted her bipartisan "Flight Education Access Act," aimed at increasing student loan limits for flight training to address high costs and make pilot careers more accessible.
• 🤝 Bedford expressed willingness to continue working on initiatives to encourage young people into aviation careers and support military veterans transitioning into these roles.