A bunch of Democrats on Monday pressed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over plans for tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Division of Authorities Effectivity (DOGE) to “plug in.”
In a letter, the Democrats famous current posts on the social platform X from Musk and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about DOGE involvement with aviation.
“Big News – Talked to the DOGE team. They are going to plug in to help upgrade our aviation system,” mentioned Duffy on X final week.
The Democrats mentioned they “are extremely concerned that an ad hoc team of individuals lacking any expertise, exposure, certifications, or knowledge of aviation operations being invited, or inserting themselves, to make ‘rapid’ changes to our nation’s air traffic systems.”
“This is the wrong course of action to take,” they added.
The group of Democratic lawmakers who signed the letter featured Sens. Mark Warner (Va.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Angela Alsobrooks (Md.) and Chris Van Hollen (Md.), in addition to Reps. Don Beyer (Va.), Gerry Connolly (Va.), Jamie Raskin (Md.) Suhas Subramanyam (Va.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.). All lawmakers are from states bordering Washington, D.C., or the nation’s capital.
The Washington area additionally lately skilled a lethal airplane crash between an Military Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airways close to Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport that raised questions on aviation security. The lawmakers referenced the crash of their letter and mentioned that “it is crucial that we thoroughly review and scrutinize the protocols that govern flight operations near the airspace over National Airport.”
Monday’s letter additionally featured questions, together with these in regards to the “engagement” FAA has “had with DOGE at this time” and the “engagement” that “has been discussed or is planned for the future.”
The Hill has reached out to the White Home, the Division of Transportation and the FAA for remark.
